Dustin Jacoby in all probability is aware of Alex Pereira higher than most after sharing the ring with the longer term UFC champion when each competed for GLORY Kickboxing.
Whereas there’s nonetheless hope they’ll get to run it again someday in MMA, Jacoby has marveled at Pereira’s quick stand up the UFC ranks, the place he’s already claimed titles in two divisions with solely 12 fights to his résumé. Pereira’s run feels virtually unbelievable given his lack of total expertise and the idea that his wrestling and grappling are nowhere close to elite stage.
That’s been the working commentary from veteran gentle heavyweight contender and frequent UFC analyst Anthony Smith, who stays impressed by Pereira’s rising checklist of accolades regardless of largely remaining a one-dimensional fighter.
“I stand by all the pieces I’ve mentioned,” Smith advised MMA Combating again in April. “[Daniel Cormier] says it on a regular basis, how is that this man nonetheless profitable fights? Yeah, I ask the identical factor. As a result of it doesn’t make any sense! He has a really restricted ability set. He’s very, very, very harmful at one factor and he’s mediocre on the relaxation. … I’m not speaking shit about it. It’s spectacular.”
Jacoby agrees with Smith, as a result of he’s additionally shocked at how Pereira continues to steamroll his competitors, which now features a vicious knockout win over Jamahal Hill to cap off the historic UFC 300 card in his first title protection at 205 kilos.
“I inform you what, it’s unbelievable,” Jacoby advised MMA Combating. “I’m an enormous Alex Pereira fan, however there are such a lot of guys on the 185-pound division — as a result of he got here into the UFC at 185 — and at 205 [pounds] who I believe can beat him, simply within the MMA rule set. However he retains proving us incorrect, he retains knocking everyone out. I’m blown away.
“I do know he’s a terrific fighter. Among the finest strikers, if not one of the best striker on the planet immediately. His left hook is unreal. His placing, his timing, a lot energy. However you may’t inform me there’s not a man on the market like [Khamzat] Chimaev — like, I really feel like Chimaev would simply go in there and seize him and throw him down.”
Whereas Pereira has taken offense to Smith’s criticism, Jacoby guarantees nothing is being mentioned with malicious intent.
However he received’t cover the truth that Pereira has gotten by with one very dominant weapon whereas nonetheless making an attempt to evolve the opposite components of his total MMA arsenal.
“It’s outstanding what he’s been in a position to accomplish, what he’s achieved in such a brief period of time,” Jacoby mentioned. “I’m an enormous Pereira fan, however I consider there are a number of guys on the roster at any weight class that might beat him with the appropriate technique and on the appropriate night time.”
Smith beforehand welcomed the prospect to compete in opposition to Pereira in something he needed, though the dialog virtually at all times drifts again to grappling as a result of that’s a perceived weak spot for the Brazilian.
There’s no telling if these two will ever really face off, however Jacoby expects that Pereira can be in for fairly a impolite awakening if he really needed to go to the bottom with Smith in a battle or a grappling match.
“It’s insane,” Jacoby mentioned. “I don’t perceive it. As a result of a man like Anthony, folks don’t perceive how good his jiu-jitsu is. Coaching with that man in jiu-jitsu completely sucks. It makes you’re feeling such as you’re rolling round in a moist blanket and you’re feeling such as you’re suffocating the entire time.
“Might Pereira knock out Anthony? Abso-f*cking-lutely, I believe he can knock out anyone. However Anthony’s additionally a man, if he simply went in there and shot and simply labored to get it right down to the bottom and getting it into his world, I may completely see Anthony profitable that battle.”
With or with out world-class grappling, Pereira continues to run roughshod over the UFC, and Jacoby is aware of that deserves a standing ovation.
That also doesn’t imply Smith is incorrect in his evaluation.
“Kudos to him, however Anthony’s proper,” Jacoby mentioned. “It’s not that I believe he’s dogging him. I believe it’s extra of a respect [thing], kudos to him.”
