Former two-division title challenger, Chael Sonnen, has boldly proclaimed that Brazilian striker Alex Pereira has the potential to become the undisputed GOAT of MMA. Sonnen bases this audacious claim on Pereira’s impressive accomplishments thus far, despite being a relative newcomer to the sport with an amateur background.
Pereira has captured two world titles in just eight Octagon appearances and boasts victories over five world champions. Sonnen believes that if Pereira becomes a three-division champion, an unprecedented feat in UFC history, he will have an unassailable claim to GOAT status.
Sonnen draws comparisons to legendary fighters like Georges St-Pierre and Daniel Cormier, who dominated multiple weight classes but never attempted to conquer a third. In Pereira’s case, Sonnen argues that a third belt would put him in a league of his own, alongside the likes of Jon Jones, Georges St-Pierre, Anderson Silva, and Amanda Nunes.
Pereira’s remarkable rise through the UFC ranks has been marked by dominant performances. He won his promotional debut with a technical knockout, followed by a unanimous decision victory. He then captured the UFC Middleweight Championship with a stunning technical knockout over Israel Adesanya.
After losing the title in a rematch with Adesanya, Pereira returned with a vengeance at UFC 300, knocking out Jamahal Hill in the first round of their light heavyweight title fight. This victory cemented Pereira’s status as a rising star and set the stage for his potential move to the heavyweight division.
If Pereira can replicate his success at heavyweight and claim a third UFC championship, he will undoubtedly earn his place among the greatest fighters of all time. The next step in his captivating career will be closely watched by the MMA world, as he aims to etch his name into the annals of the sport.
