"They're all in trouble" - Kamaru Usman puts UFC heavyweights on high alert as Alex Pereira's shadow looms large on the division
Alex Pereira was able to defend his light heavyweight title when he knocked out Jamahal Hill in the first round of the main event of UFC 300. 'Poatan' has since teased that he could look to move to heavyweight to become champion in a third weight class. Kamaru Usman recently weighed in on the light heavyweight champion's potential move up, putting the division on notice.
Speaking on his Pound 4 Pound podcast, the former welterweight champion stated:
"I think why not let him fight [at UFC 301] in Rio [de Janeiro], in Brazil, but as far as moving up, I think everybody in that middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight division are in trouble when they fight a guy like Alex Pereira."
Usman continued:
"If you don't take the path of least resistance and you let him actually fight in the way that he does have the biggest advantage, I think they're all in trouble. And so, I definitely do give him a good chance with a guy like Tom Aspinall, but don't take nothing away from Tom. Tom is a savage, as well, and he's a problem for anybody to deal with."
Check out Kamaru Usman's comments on Alex Pereira potentially moving up to heavyweight below:
While Pereira has suffered two losses during his mixed martial arts career, Israel Adesanya remains the only fighter that has shown an ability to strike with 'Poatan'. He was previously submitted in his professional debut, however, his grappling has improved in the near-decade since. It remains to be seen if the light heavyweight champion will pursue a move to heavyweight.
Magomed Ankalaev claims he will knock out Alex Pereira
Magomed Ankalaev could be the next fighter to challenge Alex Pereira for the light heavyweight title. Following 'Poatan's knockout of Jamahal Hill at UFC 300, the No.2-ranked light heavyweight has predicted that he will dethrone the champion via first-round knockout, tweeting:
"@AlexPereiraUFC congratulation, l will stop in the first round by knockout @danawhite @Mickmaynard2 the man doesn’t have a chin."
He followed that up by calling for the opportunity to challenge 'Poatan' at UFC 308, which is set to take place in Abu Dhabi in October, adding:
"@AlexPereiraUFC vs me Abu Dhabi"
Check out Magomed Ankalaev's tweets about Alex Pereira below:
While Ankalaev is hinting that he will trade with Pereira, that game plan may not be the best strategy. Although he may want to prove he can stand with 'Poatan', the No.2-ranked light heavyweight has a significant wrestling advantage and will likely look to take the fight to the ground despite his comments.