Former UFC middleweight champ Michael Bisping believes that Alex Pereira may well be the man to dethrone the current champ, Israel Adesanya. Adesanya has never lost a fight at 185 pounds, but Michael Bisping revealed on his Believe You Me podcast that Pereira’s edge – being a little “nastier” – could be enough to tip the scales in the challenger’s favor.
“What [Adesanya] did to Paulo Costa was f****** incredible. Yoel Romero, Robert Whittaker twice, the list goes on. Anderson Silva, Kelvin Gastelum, taking out all the top guys. Derek Brunson, Jared Cannonier. There’s literally no one else.
Bisping: Pereira Has The Best Chance to Dethrone Adesanya
That’s why Pereira’s here, a breath of fresh air, a guy that I think, I don’t know, I think he might be the man to do it. I’m not saying that. Izzy’s a better kickboxer than Pereira, but Pereira seems a little nastier, he seems to have a little bit more power. He’s a little sloppier as well, but I understand why he’s going to get the next title shot.”
Alex Pereira might disagree that Izzy is a better kickboxer than him, as he defeated Adesanya twice when they were fighting for GLORY kickboxing. Israel Adesanya is, however, undoubtedly one of the finest strikers in the UFC right now. His undefeated record at 185 pounds, and consistent dismantling of some of the most lethal contenders in the division, speaks for itself.
Alex Pereira, however, seems to have the best shot at dethroning the champ. “Without a doubt [Pereira has the best chance to do it].
When you see Izzy, the way he beats everybody, every time afterwards I’m like, ‘I’ll never underestimate him again.’ Because I thought Jared Cannonier was gonna — and then I always do! I don’t know why. And when I look at this one early on I’m like, ‘Oh, Pereira’s going to be the guy.’
But again, that is just so disrespectful to the body of work that [Adesanya]’s had. It’s not easy to stay on top like that, on your worst night… That’s what you’ve got to do as a champion, on your worst night, still become the champion. So every time you defended it against the No. 1 contender and Izzy’s done that six or seven times now.”
It seems that the Adesanya-Pereira clash is all but inevitable, with their rivalry overshadowing much of the proceedings at UFC 276 this past weekend. With both men fighting on the UFC 276 card, the timing is perfect for the pair to face off in their next outing.
Do you agree with Michael Bisping on this? Let us know in the comments.
