The biggest UFC event of the summer, if not the year, had a sudden change just two weeks ago when Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler was pulled and instead, once again, reigning light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira answered the call to step up.
After multiple main event options did not come together, the company began to scramble and that scramble led to Pereira stepping up at UFC 300 to headline the card. He would defend his light heavyweight title against bitter rival Jamahal Hill, a fight that would end with a first-round knockout.
Having won both the middleweight and light heavyweight titles already had Pereira in elite company on the fast track to being a worldwide superstar, but it is his approach to fighting that makes him truly special.
In an era where social media following and trash talking sets the precedent for superstars, Pereira lets his skills do the talking for him. The titles, the performances, and the willingness to show up at any time, in two different weight classes, against anyone.
Plenty of fighters have tried to carry the slogan anytime, anywhere, any weight but it is Alex Pereira’s style of doing so that makes him special. There’s no bickering on social media for more money or playing hard ball, he answers the call and delivers when called upon.
Now at UFC 303, Pereira will face Jiri Prochazka in a rematch from their first light heavyweight title fight which was also a save the card matchup back in 2023. In their first meeting, Pereira secured a second-round knockout victory to win the vacant light heavyweight title.
Looking to end the chapter between the two, Pereira will also have his second main event title fight in just over two months, with the whole second half of the year awaiting him. Turning 37-years old but not looking like a victim to time, Alex Perieira has been a savior for the UFC.
Being a savior for the UFC will definitely lead to financial compensation, but also may very well add to his legacy. Continuing to turn up and fight whoever the UFC puts in front of him, Pereira has the opportunity to add the toughest names to his already impressive UFC tenure. If he stays the course and repeatedly shows up when called upon and puts his opponents away, there is a place in the history of legends awaiting him.
In a time where superstars such as Conor McGregor and Jon Jones are recovering from injuries and away from the Octagon, Alex Pereira has stepped into the spotlight as an easy fan favorite. Conor McGregor may not ever be replaceable in terms of marketing and sales, but Pereira softens the blow and is certainly the UFC should be thankful to have on speed dial.
