UFC News Update
Alex Pereira’s Bold Callout Sparks Debate
In a recent episode of the JAXXON Podcast, UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira stirred the pot by expressing his desire to face undisputed heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk. This callout follows a growing trend of MMA fighters seeking bouts with boxing champions, a phenomenon most notably highlighted by Francis Ngannou’s foray into boxing against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
Pereira’s Ambitious Aspirations
Coach Plinio Cruz provided insights into Pereira’s ambitions during the podcast. “He’s really eager to explore boxing,” Cruz stated, underlining Pereira’s willingness to step outside his UFC contract for a chance at a significant boxing match. “He respects Usyk as a champion and believes that he could hold his own against him,” he added.
Fan Reactions: A Mixed Bag
Fans have had varied responses to Pereira’s bold statement. Some are skeptical about his readiness for such a high-stakes fight. One user commented, “I’ve seen clips of him get pieced up by boxers at a lower level, so I don’t know if it’s a good idea.” Others echoed this sentiment, expressing doubts about Pereira’s boxing skills compared to Usyk’s elite level.
- “Alex has no footwork. Usyk would embarrass him,” a fan remarked.
- Another user bluntly stated, “Usyk would obliterate him.”
- One fan pointed out, “Bro went tooth and nail with Khalil Rountree, and now wants to fight Usyk?”
Some even referenced Pereira’s previous knockout loss to Israel Adesanya, questioning his ability to compete against a fighter of Usyk’s caliber. “Imagine what Usyk would do to this fraud in a boxing match,” another user tweeted.
Assessing Pereira’s Boxing Background
Pereira boasts a professional boxing record of 1-0, having secured a knockout against a journeyman fighter in 2017. Since then, fans have been left to gauge his boxing prowess through sparring sessions with various accomplished boxers. Notably, he has shared footage of training with Demsey McKean, who holds a record of 22-1, showcasing his distance management and counter-striking skills.
In a more recent sparring session with Olympic-level boxer Khalil Coe, who was 9-1-1 at the time, Pereira displayed his boxing capabilities. However, it’s important to note that these sessions are often characterized by a friendly atmosphere rather than the intense pressure of a competitive match.
As the MMA and boxing worlds continue to intersect, Pereira’s aspirations highlight the excitement and challenges of crossover bouts, leaving fans wondering how these dream matches could unfold.
