Conor McGregor Believes Alex Pereira Could Make UFC History Before Him
UFC star Conor McGregor has acknowledged that Alex Pereira is likely to achieve a historic milestone in the UFC before him, following the Brazilian fighter’s recent victory. Both McGregor and Pereira are part of a select group of two-weight UFC champions, with McGregor being one of only four fighters to have simultaneously held two belts. On the other hand, Pereira lost the middleweight title before moving up to the light-heavyweight division and securing his second championship.
Despite this setback, Pereira has been making waves since his UFC debut in 2021, with his most recent highlight being a knockout win over Khalil Rountree Jr on Saturday. This victory marked his third successful title defense in just seven months. Looking ahead, Pereira is now eyeing the heavyweight title, aiming to become the UFC’s first-ever three-weight champion. Speculation links the 37-year-old with a potential match against interim champion Tom Aspinall, pending the outcome of the upcoming fight between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic.
In an interview with The Schmo, McGregor expressed his admiration for Pereira’s achievements and hinted at a possible showdown between Pereira and Dagestani fighter Magomed Ankalaev in the light-heavyweight division. McGregor also acknowledged the possibility of either himself or Pereira going for the coveted three-belt achievement in the future. McGregor, who made history as the first dual-weight champion in UFC in 2016, commended Pereira’s stellar performance in 2024 and suggested Pereira could be ranked as the pound-for-pound No. 1 fighter.
McGregor, now 36, has had a successful career in the UFC, winning titles in multiple weight classes. However, due to injuries and other setbacks, he has not been as active in recent years. McGregor highlighted Pereira’s dangerous fighting style and speculated on a potential match-up between Pereira and heavyweight champion Jon Jones. Despite acknowledging Jones as a formidable opponent, McGregor believes Pereira poses a unique challenge for the heavyweight champion and could potentially secure a victory.
Jones, widely regarded as one of the greatest light-heavyweights in UFC history, moved up to the heavyweight division in 2023 and claimed the title in his debut fight. His scheduled defense against Miocic was postponed due to an injury, paving the way for Aspinall to claim the interim title. As the UFC landscape continues to evolve, fans eagerly anticipate future showdowns between top fighters like Pereira and Jones.
In conclusion, McGregor’s recognition of Pereira’s potential to make UFC history adds an exciting dimension to the sport, setting the stage for potential blockbuster fights and historic achievements in the octagon. As the competitive landscape in the UFC evolves, all eyes will be on fighters like Pereira and McGregor as they continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in mixed martial arts.