Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira is still in his Fighting Prime, according to an analyst.
Alex Pereira could possibly be able to return to the Octagon later this year, because he wants to regain the UFC Light Heavyweight title. Pereira lost to Magomed Ankalaev through a unanimous decision on UFC 313, despite stopping all Takedown attempts by Ankalaev.
Pereira, one of the best pound-for-pound hunters in MMA, recently became 38 years old. Only a handful of UFC legends have been able to earn a world title when approaching 40 years.
But an analyst believes that Pereira is the exception to the rule.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Din Thomas believes that Alex Pereira stays in his prime, even though he is 38
In a recent segment on the YouTube channel of Daniel Cormier, UFC analyst Din Thomas explained why he does not lose hope in Pereira who earns a different UFC title at the age of 38.
“There is no one in MMA harder for older hunters than me. I said things about Kamaru Usman, and all these other boys as you get older,” it's too late for them. “But I think Alex Pereira is in this case the exception,” Thomas started on Pereira.
“First of all, I think he has a style that actually helps him in terms of his age. He doesn't move his feet much, does not struggle much, and he just has strength those boys encounter. So he doesn't put much wear on his body in training, and he is certainly not in his body in battle. Would probably have to get an immediate rematch.
“There is no one else in the division that justifies a fight against Magomed Ankalaev,” Thomas continued. “So Alex Pereira, even at the age of 38, can still go outside and win a championship and probably still defend it three times.”
Before he lost to Ankalaev on UFC 313, Pereira defended the UFC -light heavyweight belt against Jamahal Hill, Khalil Rountree and Jiri PrOCHAZKA. Some have speculated that Pereira might be the first opponent of Tom Aspinall of his undisputed heavyweight title, later this year.
But Pereira has Ankalaev in his mind while he starts his way to revenge.
Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira 2 remains a mystery after 'agreement' to rematch
Ankalaev and Pereira agreed verbally to restore it almost immediately after UFC 313. But in the months since their fight, things have taken a bizarre turn because Ankalaev Pereira has accused of rejecting different fighting offers.
Pereira is insisting on the goal to return to the cage later this year, despite short pension speculation. In recent months, Prochazka has also exchanged repetition with Ankalaev, leading to a potential collision between the two top light heavyweights.
An announcement with regard to the following fights by Ankalaev and Pereira could be made in the coming weeks.