Alex Pereira, the current light-heavyweight champion, has recently been lauded as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history by a former middleweight title holder, Luke Rockhold. This praise marks a significant shift in Rockhold`s opinion, who previously held a less favorable view of the Brazilian.
Pereira recently secured his light-heavyweight title at UFC 320 with a stunning first-round knockout victory over Magomed Ankalaev. This dominant performance comes as he potentially considers a move to the heavyweight division. Despite a long-standing reputation as a primarily one-dimensional striker with limited grappling, his recent triumph seems to have dispelled any lingering doubts about his comprehensive fighting prowess.
Luke Rockhold, a former UFC middleweight champion himself, has now completely reversed his earlier criticisms of Pereira. Rockhold, who once echoed sentiments about Pereira`s perceived one-dimensional fighting style, now firmly believes the two-division champion has undeniably cemented his place among the sport`s legends.
Luke Rockhold Praises Alex Pereira: `One of the Greatest UFC Champions`
Rockhold, familiar with both the middleweight and light-heavyweight divisions where Pereira has competed, shared his enthusiastic admiration for the Brazilian in an interview with TMZ Sports following his latest victory.
“I used to criticize Alex Pereira, but he’s undeniably a gangster,” Rockhold openly stated. “It all boils down to confidence and sheer courage, and he possesses both. I have to admit, I can no longer harbor any negativity towards him; he is one of the Greatest Of All Time. He consistently brings the same fearless mindset. While he may lack a ground game, he certainly doesn’t lack grit. My criticisms are gone. Alex, truly, you are a gangster and one of the best champions in history. It’s genuinely impressive.”
Rockhold`s Past Opinion: A `Free Belt` for Wrestlers
In stark contrast, Rockhold`s perspective on Pereira was quite different back in 2022. During a period when he was contemplating retirement, he suggested he might be tempted to return to fighting if Pereira were to defeat Israel Adesanya, viewing such a scenario as an opportunity for a `free belt`.
“If I find the inspiration to return… you never know,” Rockhold shared with Submission Radio at the time. He continued, referencing Pereira, “That Brazilian guy winning the title… Alex Pereira. Every wrestler in the sport will be eager to challenge him. It would be a chance for an easy belt. The only downside is potentially having to face someone like Robert Whittaker beforehand, which would be a tough fight. Winning or losing to Whittaker, it’s going to be painful, a real battle.”
