Former UFC middleweight champion Alex Pereira is considered one of the most talented and scariest strikers in the UFC. Pereira started with his UFC career by entering the middleweight division chasing after his nemesis Israel Adesanya. While the weight cut was very much for his huge frame, Poatan made sure he made the mark every time.
But within 24 hours of successfully making weight, Pereira managed to rehydrate to a much higher weight. During his time as a middleweight fighter, Alex Pereira made sure to make 186 lbs and even 185 for his title bouts. However, within a day of rehydration, Pereira reached around 220 lbs.
This time around, Pereira has repeated the same routine in the light heavyweight division. Alex Pereira will be fighting former light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz at UFC 291. Given the recent developments in the light heavyweight division, Alex Pereira might soon fight for a title with this win.
Alex Pereira gained 22.5 in 24 hours since his weigh-in 🤯 #UFC291 pic.twitter.com/T5wVr2AMlx
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) July 29, 2023
So he was at deaths door to make weigh in?
— Danny (@DannyH0214) July 29, 2023
This monster made 185 like a champ
— KonTro113d KhaOZ (@Kontro113dKhaOZ) July 29, 2023
22 pounds man what the hell 😂
— westsidephilosophy (@westsidephilos1) July 29, 2023
How do you gain 22 pounds in 24 hours ?
— luhxx.k (@KevonPerryGold1) July 29, 2023
With Pereira being used to making 185 lbs, 205 lbs was not any trouble for the Brazilian fighter. He clocked in 205.5 lbs at the ceremonial weigh-ins, and the fight was official. He repeated the rehydration phenomenon yet again, and this time around, he gained 22.5 lbs in 24 hours.
With the Brazilian fighter’s tremendous weight fluctuation after weigh-ins, some fight fans believe he could have serious issues with drastic weight cuts. Meanwhile, others think Pereira could qualify to compete in the heavyweight division.
“So he was at death’s door to make weigh-in,” tweeted a fan. Regardless, Alex Pereira will be fighting at a much more comfortable weight where he will have more strength behind his punches.
Israel Adesanya Believes Alex Pereira’s weight advantage will help him win via KO at UFC 291
Former UFC champions Alex Pereira and Jan Blachowicz will be fighting in the co-main event of UFC 291 this weekend. Many fight fans have their eyes on this event as it will determine the next contender for the light heavyweight title. Even middleweight champion Israel Adesanya is highly invested as he gives his prediction for the fight.
Adesanya is someone who has faced defeat at the hands of both Pereira and Blachowicz. It is fair to say he is more knowledgeable about their skills and drawbacks. With Pereira making his 205 debut in the UFC he won’t have to go through a harsh weight cut.
This might play in Poatan’s favor as he gets more power behind his strikes. Israel Adesanya detailed the Brazilian fighter’s fighting style and predicted he might catch Jan with his powerful left hook.
“Jan’s going to take his time, patience, get as much read as he can. But if Jan does what I think he’s going to do, he’s going to get caught with a left hook. I don’t think this goes the distance,” stated Adesanya.
While he believes Alex is better on his feet, the Stylebender also knows Jan is much better on the ground. The Polish fighter managed to subdue Adesanya and take his undefeated UFC record using his grappling. Hence the fight won’t last long if it goes to the ground.
In the end, Jan Blachowicz has a lot more weapons in his arsenal and he can easily mix things up against Alex. However, Adesanya believes that Alex has a higher chance and has officially picked him to win the fight. What are your predictions for the co-main event at UFC 291?