Alex Pereira's heavyweight hopes dashed as former dual-weight champion questions key attribute
03/12/2025 11:01 AM
Daniel Cormier doesn’t believe that Alex Pereira could compete with the UFC’s best heavyweights.
The former UFC dual-weight champion famously won titles at light heavyweight and heavyweight despite being just 5ft 11in.
Alex Pereira appears to be much better suited to MMA’s biggest division at 6ft 4in – but after watching the Brazilian fan favorite lose against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 on Saturday night, Daniel Cormier doubts ‘Poatan’ could hang at heavyweight.
‘DC’ has come to the conclusion that Pereira is not ‘strong enough’ to compete with the likes of Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall.
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Daniel Cormier explains why Alex Pereira can’t compete at heavyweight
Daniel Cormier was on commentary duty with Jon Anik and Joe Rogan, who went viral for his hilarious flub at UFC 313.
After watching Pereira lose up close, the 45-year-old UFC Hall of Famer has decided he doesn’t have what it takes to make an impact at heavyweight.
"Watching him and Ankalaev fight, it gives me the idea," Cormier said on Good Guy / Bad Guy.
"I think he's kind of maxed out the weight he can go up.
"I don't think he's strong enough to go with anyone bigger.
"The amount of pressure that Ankalaev was able to generate without the danger coming back at him like we expected, those heavyweights would kind of just walk right through what he was throwing at him."
What’s next for Alex Pereira?
It seems highly unlikely that Pereira will be moving up a weight class anytime soon.
Right now, there’s unfinished business with Ankalaev and the 205lb division.
UFC boss Dana White says he “probably” book an immediate rematch between Pereira and Ankalaev.
The new light heavyweight champion has already agreed to defend his belt against Pereira next.
Fight fans now have to wait for the UFC bosses to announce a date and location for the rematch.
