Coach: Alex Pereira Could be a 3-Weight UFC Champion
Two-division champion Alex Pereira has a shot at getting his hands on a third belt, according to his coach Glover Teixeira.
Speaking to MMA Fighting, Teixeira remarked at "Poatan's" discipline, before pointing out that he could easily make the move to heavyweight:
"'Poatan' is a disciplined professional... that's why he managed to make 185 [lbs., UFC middleweight] in the first place. ...Few people can manage that.
"If he were to move up [to heavyweight], he would change his diet and training routine outside the camp to gain mass... 'Poatan' walks around 233 lbs. and I think he can go to 246."
Pereira has already etched his name in UFC history by securing two different titles in just seven fights. If he managed to claim the heavyweight title, he would become the only three-weight champion in UFC history.
With his accomplishments in kickboxing, Pereira is already considered one of the most decorated fighters in combat sports. Adding a third UFC title to his name would undoubtedly establish him as one of the greatest to ever do it.
Currently, "Poatan" has unfinished business in the light heavyweight division. Pereira called for a fifth fight with rival Israel Adesanya when he won the belt, and he has also been keeping a close eye on former champion Jamahal Hill.
"I want to make this fight happen. Adesanya, come to Daddy," Pereira called out Adesanya after winning the light heavyweight title at UFC 295.
Adesanya Responds to Pereira's Light Heavyweight Call Out
In a UFC 295 reaction video posted on November 12, Adesanya responded to Pereira's callout:
"the fact that it sits with him - it hurts his spirit, I like it," Adesanya remarked. "...What did he say 'Come to Daddy?', last time I checked, you were f****** slept."
Only time will reveal whether Pereira can surpass expectations and set new standards for what a UFC fighter can accomplish.
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