UFC middleweight hopeful Andre Muniz doesn’t expect to see Alex Pereira sitting at the throne when it’s his time to challenge for the belt.
Days away from facing Brendan Allen in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 70 on Saturday, Muniz hopes to add a sixth straight victory to his perfect UFC career. According to “Sergipano”, Pereira will be leaving for another weight class in the next episode of MMA Fighting Podcast Trocacao Franca .
Pereira, 3-0 against Israel Adesanya in two sports, will give the Nigerian star an immediate rematch at UFC 287 after claiming the belt this past November. Asked if he sees potential for “Poatan” to have a long reign as champion despite having a kickboxing-heavy style and not much experience in MMA, Muniz said that’s not the reason why he would predict a short life at the top.
“Fights happen and it is difficult to predict the outcome, Muniz stated. “Having potential, having that weapon that brings difficulty or fear to the opponent is one thing, but being able to utilize that is another thing. It’s amazing to see how much time he devotes to MMA, and the results he achieves. He is already the champion of the world in MMA, despite only having a very short time. I can’t say otherwise, this guy is a phenom.
“I think maybe his biggest difficulty might be making weight because Poatan is a big guy. His social media shows that he is always hovering around 220 weight. It’s difficult to reach 185. championship weight. Perhaps that is why he will not have a long reign at this division .”
Pereira expressed his desire to move up to 205 lbs before after Jamahal hill beat Glover Teixeira earlier in the year for the title of light heavyweight.
“I believe he will defend this title [against Adesanya] and, with a win, he moves up a division,” Muniz said. He won’t be able to defend as many titles for long. This is especially important in order to keep his body healthy and allow him to have a more successful career. It takes a toll on the body and sooner or later he will pay the price with his performance.”
Muniz admits he didn’t want to watch Pereira defend his title against Adesanya next and not because he would rather see someone else challenge for the 185-pound gold.
” I would love to see Poatan fighting Jamahal and moving up,” Muniz stated. I think that every Brazilian would be interested to see this. That vengeance thing in the air, especially since Poatan trains with Glover. This fight must take place for division .”
“I’m definitely cheering for Poatan [vs. Adesanya],” he continued. He’s from Brazil and his past of triumph over adversity makes him a winner. He really represents what Brazil is all about, a guy that went through a lot and bounced back like Charles [Oliveira] and Glover did, and became champion. He is my cheerleader. I hope he wins easier this time around, finishes him earlier and doesn’t make us nervous [laughs].”
Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/2/22/23608572/andre-muniz-alex-pereira-short-reign-ufc-middleweight-champion?rand=96749
