Cormier Questions Pereira’s Strength
After a dominant run through the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions, many believed Alex Pereira’s move to heavyweight was the next logical step in his ascent. However, following a disastrous outing at UFC 313, legendary former dual-division champion Daniel Cormier is raising doubts about whether “Poatan” has the physical tools to hang with the big boys.
A Tough Night for Pereira at UFC 313
Heading into his heavyweight debut, Pereira was riding high, boasting a resume littered with knockouts and championship gold. But things didn’t exactly go as planned. The Brazilian powerhouse’s striking was neutralized, and his vaunted powerwhich terrorized fighters at 185 and 205 poundsdidn’t carry over quite as effectively.
The result? A disappointing loss and a growing debate over whether this weight class is truly the right fit for him.
Cormier’s Take: “Not Strong Enough” for Heavyweight?
Nobody understands the challenges of moving up in weight better than Daniel Cormier. As a former light heavyweight and heavyweight champion, DC knows all too well that punching power isn’t the only factor that determines success at the highest level.
“I just don’t think Alex is strong enough to deal with these monsters at heavyweight,” Cormier said during a recent breakdown. “It’s different when you’re facing guys like Jones, Miocic, or Ngannouthese guys aren’t just big, they are strong, physical, and relentless.”
Cormier pointed to how Pereira struggled in clinch exchanges and grappling scenarios against his heavyweight opponent at UFC 313. He also expressed concern that Pereira, despite his frightening knockout power, may not have the physicality necessary to impose his style against much larger foes.
The Weight (and Strength) Factor
Strength in heavyweight MMA is about more than muscle mass. It’s about controlling positions, absorbing damage, and being able to wrestle against competitors who have spent their entire careers carrying around 240+ pounds.
For all of Pereira’s success in the lower weight classes, his already lean frame has raised questions about whether he has the ability to physically impose his will on much bigger opponents. Sure, Pereira has knocked out some of the best strikers in the world, but will that same power hold up when he can’t push his opponent around?
Can Pereira Prove the Doubters Wrong?
It would be foolish to count Alex Pereira out. He’s one of the most gifted strikers in combat sports, and his unique skill set has tormented elite fighters across multiple divisions. If anyone can make adjustments and prove the doubters wrong, it’s him.
That being said, the heavyweight division is an entirely different beast. Fighters don’t just get by on skill alonethey need the durability, strength, and endurance to withstand high-level competition. If Pereira truly wants to carve out a path in the UFC’s biggest division, he’s got some serious work to do.
What’s Next for Pereira?
After his loss at UFC 313, Pereira will have some serious decisions to make. Does he stick it out at heavyweight, pack on more muscle, and refine his grappling? Or did UFC 313 expose a ceiling for his success in this weight class?
Pereira is still a fan-favorite, and his knockout power alone will keep fans invested. But if Cormier is right, and Pereira isn’t physically strong enough to compete at heavyweight, then we may have just witnessed the peak of his run in the UFC’s upper echelons.
Time will tell, but for now, one thing is certainAlex Pereira has some major adjustments ahead if he wants to silence the doubters.
What do you think? Is Pereira’s move to heavyweight a mistake, or does he have what it takes to bounce back? Let us know in the comments below!
