Dricus Du Plessis has offered high praise for Alex Pereira while also making a clear distinction when it comes to the greatest fighter in UFC history.
The former UFC middleweight champion discussed Pereira’s remarkable rise in combat sports during an interview with Fight Forecast. ‘Poatan’ has built a historic CV after becoming a two-division UFC champion following a decorated kickboxing career.
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Now the Brazilian star is chasing another milestone as he prepares to challenge Ciryl Gane for the interim UFC heavyweight title. The bout represents another attempt by the 39-year-old to expand his legacy beyond the divisions where he first made his name.
Dricus Du Plessis calls Alex Pereira the greatest combat sports athlete ever
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Du Plessis believes Pereira’s achievements across multiple disciplines place him in a unique category in combat sports history.
On the other hand, he agrees that – looking only to the UFC – Jon Jones has cemented his legacy as the greatest fighter ever.
“Listen, Alex Pereira is one of the greatest. I’ve said this for a long time. [He’s] The greatest combat athlete to ever live, in my opinion,” the South African fighter began by saying (via MMAWeekly).
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“The GOAT of course being Jon Jones, the GOAT of the UFC. I’m talking about across the board. Going, doing what he did in kickboxing, coming to the UFC in such a short period of time, and now challenging for his third title. I mean, that’s unheard of.”
Dricus Du Plessis backs Alex Pereira against Ciryl Gane but highlights potential danger
Du Plessis is backing Pereira to win the interim heavyweight title, although he believes the matchup presents unique challenges.
He said: “I have him winning the fight. I’m backing Alex Pereira in this fight. I hope he wins the fight, and I think he is going to win. He’s huge. He doesn’t look small against Gane.”
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However, the 32-year-old also pointed out why Gane could pose stylistic problems.
“He’s a different striker, that’s where I think the problems for Pereira can come in. Gane is not going to stand. He’s not your typical heavyweight that stands and bangs. He moves like a middleweight.”
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