Alex Pereira is by far the most outstanding athlete the UFC has signed in recent years. Six of his ten UFC fights have been for a title, and he now holds the record for the quickest turnaround for three title defenses in the promotion.
Pereira's quick rise to the top of MMA has perplexed many in the community. He is a kickboxing specialist but the lack of wrestling and grappling experience has yet to bother him in the UFC.
Artem Vakhitov, who defeated Pereira via decision at Glory 78, has signed with the UFC after winning at Dana White's Contender Series Season 8, Week 9. The UFC President is happy to witness the influx of kickboxers in the UFC and thanked the UFC light heavyweight champ for it...
Dana White Explains How Israel Adesanya And Alex Pereira Inspired Kickboxers To Enter The UFC
During the DWCS 75 episode's press conference, White talked about the recent wave of kickboxers coming to the UFC. He believes the success Israel Adesanya and Pereira have had in the promotion to be the reason behind this.
Over the years, grappling has gradually become one of the most effective tools for success in MMA. Strikers often struggle to keep the fight on the feet against wrestlers but Adesanya and Pereira are huge exceptions. As a result, a lot of kickboxers with similar careers as these legends are now willing to try out their luck in the UFC.
The UFC CEO pointed out that many kickboxers have fought gruesome battles for less money than they deserved. By showcasing their exciting standup in the UFC, they can significantly boost their earnings and fame.
What I actually think, like we were saying earlier, it's fascinating how these guys that came out of this whole circuit with Israel and Alex, including them, are doing so well in the UFC. It's fascinating, so, yeah, why not?" White continued, "I think it's all of it. Obviously, those guys fought, you know, crazy fights, that I'm sure they didn't make any money. Joanna Jędrzejczyk and many others. And come over here and it's absolutely life-changing for them.
While he was announcing the contracts for DWCS Season 8, Week 9, Laura Sanko asked White about Pereira's halo effect in the UFC. Here's how he responded:
100%. It's fascinating and that these guys are coming over here with so many kickboxing fights. And they're wrestling is on point. It's actually fascinating.
Vakhitov is a great example of the same. He's just secured a UFC contract but has already generated a lot of hype because of his win over Pereira in kickboxing. Interestingly, "Poatan" himself convinced White to sign Vakhitov.