Henry Cejudo is still not sold on Alex Pereira's prowess, even after the reigning UFC light heavyweight champion showcased an exceptional performance at UFC 303.
"Poatan" retained his title, most recently securing an impressive second-round head kick knockout of his former foe, Jiri Prochazka, during the main event of the UFC's last pay-per-view on June 29.
Pereira, in just nine Octagon appearances, has established an unparalleled legacy. He has become only the ninth fighter in UFC history to hold championships in two divisions. Even more impressive, he is the first to capture titles in both the light heavyweight and middleweight divisions, accomplishing this remarkable feat in just two years.
The 37-year-old Brazilian has made an indelible mark on the MMA community, with many considering him among the greatest fighters in UFC history. However, former two-division champion Cejudo remains skeptical of Pereira's accomplishments...
Cejudo Argues Pereira Needs To Do More To Be Deemed The Best
During a recent episode of Pound 4 Pound with Kamaru Usman, the two former UFC champions explored Pereira's meteoric rise in the MMA world. "Triple C" emphatically insisted that the Brazilian striking phenom still has more to prove against more well-rounded opponents before he can be crowned among the greatest.
We have to see him go up against are a little more well-rounded, Cejudo said. "I don't take things personal. I think, to me, it's even more cool to create a character because whether you're right or wrong, people are going to talk sh*t, or people are going to do X, Y, and Z, but these are keyboard wars. Even if Pereira does get a bit butthurt, man, take it to heart.
Does he have beautiful striking? 100%. I want to see more. I wanna see him to see him against guys against a real mixed martial artists, and then we can gauge it whether he is maybe even so pound-for-pound.
This isn't the first time Cejudo has voiced doubts about Pereira's skills. In a previous episode of his podcast earlier this month, the former Olympic gold medalist criticized "Poatan" for his perceived lack of completeness as a fighter, arguing that he wouldn't fare well against formidable wrestlers like Magomed Ankalaev.