Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has weighed in on what it would take for Alex Pereira to be considered the greatest mixed martial artist of all time. According to Usman, the key lies in Pereira making history by capturing a title in a third weight class within the UFC.
Usman shared his perspective during an appearance on the YouTube channel 'Pound 4 Pound with Kamaru & Henry'. He argued that if Pereira can become the first and only fighter in UFC history to win championships in three separate divisions, it would place him in a uniquely elite category. This achievement, Usman suggests, would be the defining factor in the GOAT conversation.
Alex Pereira, a 38-year-old Brazilian athlete, has already built an impressive legacy. He is a former champion in the middleweight division and a two-time titleholder in the light heavyweight division. His next challenge is set to be a monumental one.
Pereira is scheduled to compete at a UFC event at the White House, where he will face Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight championship. This bout represents his opportunity to move into that historic third weight class and pursue the record Usman highlighted.
The concept of a three-division champion is rare in the UFC's history. While fighters have moved between weight classes, consistently holding titles across three distinct categories has never been accomplished. Pereira's move to heavyweight is therefore not just another fight, but a potential legacy-defining moment.
Usman's comments underscore the high stakes of Pereira's upcoming contest. A victory would not only add another belt to his collection but would fundamentally alter how his career is viewed in the annals of the sport. It would provide a concrete, historic achievement that is difficult to dispute in any all-time great debate.
The fight against Ciryl Gane will be a significant test of Pereira's skills at the highest weight class. Success would validate Usman's assertion and give Pereira a strong claim to the title of the greatest fighter in MMA history, based on a feat no one else has achieved.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.