Laura Sanko says it is too soon to call Alex Pereira the greatest UFC fighter of all time, even if he wins the interim heavyweight title at UFC Freedom 250, pushing back on Dana White’s recent claim.
Sanko told MMA Junkie her reaction to White’s comments.
It’s a little too soon. It’s a little bit too soon for me, personally. If he’s able to do that, the frothiness in me is like, ‘Yes, you’re the greatest of all time.’ But then I sit back and I’m like, ‘I’m sorry, Jon Jones’ resume is just — it’s not the same. It’s not the same. Alex Pereira has been unbelievable, and he’s been one of one. I will tell you this: I don’t know if anyone will ever do that again if he does it. Even if Ilia Topuria, even Islam Makhachev. I don’t know that anyone will ever do that again, period. Ever. One of one in history, but I don’t know if I’m ready to give him the GOAT.
Sanko said the interim nature of the title fight against Ciryl Gane complicates the argument, noting her view would shift if Pereira eventually unifies with Tom Aspinall.
Then I start to hear some little bleats. Some little bah, bah.
Pereira faces Gane for the interim heavyweight championship in the co-main event of UFC Freedom 250 on Sunday at the White House.