UFC

Alex Pereira Gets Major Backing From UFC Legend After Brutal Loss

Stipe Miocic backs Alex Pereira to become UFC heavyweight champion despite his knockout loss to Ciryl Gane, believing "Poatan" can still make history.

ByPranav Pandey

Alex Pereira’s pursuit of an unprecedented achievement in the UFC suffered a setback earlier this year, but former heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic believes the Brazilian still has what it takes to reach the summit of another division.

Pereira came up short in his bid to capture an interim heavyweight title when Ciryl Gane stopped him at UFC Freedom 250 in June. The defeat denied the former middleweight and light heavyweight champion an opportunity to become the first fighter in UFC history to win titles across three weight classes.

However, “Poatan” will get another chance to establish himself among the heavyweight elite when he faces Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 335 on December 12. The five-round contest is scheduled to take place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with Pereira looking to rebound from his loss to Gane.

Miocic, widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweights in MMA history, sees no reason to dismiss Pereira’s chances of eventually claiming the division’s championship.

Stipe Miocic Explains Why Alex Pereira Can Win A Third UFC Belt

Speaking to Casino.org (via Athlon Sports), Miocic expressed confidence in Pereira’s ability to overcome the challenges of competing against significantly larger opponents.

I think he can win a third belt,” Miocic said. “I won a belt at 38. I think he’ll be fine. He’s tough. That was his first time fighting in the big boy class, and I think he’s shown he’s ready to do it.

The former heavyweight champion also highlighted the Brazilian’s existing accomplishments, pointing out that he has already captured championships in two separate UFC divisions.

He’s already won two belts in two weight classes, so I mean, he’s done more than I have. I’ve only won one weight class,” Miocic added.

Pereira’s record suggests he has repeatedly found ways to recover from significant setbacks. After losing his middleweight championship to Israel Adesanya by knockout, he moved to light heavyweight and quickly established himself as a dominant force.

“Poatan” later suffered a defeat against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 before reclaiming the light heavyweight title with a first-round TKO victory in their rematch at UFC 320.