UFC analyst touts Alex Pereira's 'GOAT' case with UFC White House win
· Yahoo Sports
Alex Pereira can put his legacy into undeniable territory if he defeats Ciryl Gane at UFC Freedom 250, according to one analyst.
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Recently retired welterweight veteran Michael Chiesa, who serves as a desk analyst for the company, already holds former two-division titleholder Pereira (13-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC) in the highest of regard. "Poatan" has potentially his greatest accomplished around the corner, though, when he takes on Gane (13-2 MMA, 10-2 UFC) for the interim heavyweight belt on the June 14 card at the White House in Washington, D.C. (Paramount+).
After winning gold at middleweight and light heavyweight, Pereira has the opportunity to become the first in UFC history to capture some form of a championship in three different divisions. It would be another iconic moment for the Brazilian, and one that Chiesa said might give him an edge over legends like Georges St-Pierre and Jon Jones for to greatest fighter to ever grace the octagon.
"If he beats Ciryl Gane, without a doubt he's No. 1," Chiesa told MMA Junkie. "You could make the argument if Alex Pereira – I don't care if you want to split hairs over the undisputed championship or the interim championship, if you want to split hairs on that, that's on you. But if someone can capture three UFC belts in three different weight classes, you have thrust yourself into the conversation as greatest of all-time. Not of the decade, we're talking all-time. He's one win away from going to the top of an ultra-prestigious, very controversial list."
Chiesa already ranks Pereira as one of the best of the current era. He has a very rare opportunity to elevate his resume even further, and at 38, is dares to be great in the showdown with Gane. Even if things don't go his way this summer, Chiesa said Pereira's achievements can't be downgraded. It's all upside at this point.
"The frequency of the fights and the way that he finishes his fights, he is must-see TV," Chiesa said. "Alex, whether he beats Ciryl Gane or not, whether he wins his next three or loses his next three, one thing is for sure, we have to appreciate what he's done and appreciate him while we have him, because we will never see another fighter like Alex Pereira. There's something about Alex that makes him so special. He's the complete package. He's so loveable inside the octagon, outside the octagon. Just a man of the people."
To hear more from Chiesa, check out his complete appearance on "The Bohnfire" podcast with MMA Junkie senior reporter Mike Bohn above.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC analyst touts Alex Pereira's 'GOAT' case with UFC White House win