Featherweight contender Jean Silva has expressed strong admiration for former two-division UFC champion Alex Pereira.
Pereira, who has previously held titles in the middleweight and twice in the light heavyweight divisions, is now moving up to face new challenges.
He is set to make his heavyweight debut on June 14th, challenging Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight championship. The winner of this bout is expected to face the undisputed champion, Tom Aspinall, later this year for a title unification clash. If successful, “Poatan” would become the first fighter in UFC history to achieve championship status in three different weight classes.
Jean Silva Praises Alex Pereira’s Accomplishments
A popular MMA social media account, The Fight Fanatic, posed a question about Alex Pereira’s standing on the “Greatest Of All Time” (GOAT) list if he were to defeat Ciryl Gane and Tom Aspinall.
Jean Silva responded to the post, lavishing praise on his fellow Brazilian. Silva highlighted Pereira’s remarkable career, stating: “Never ducked anyone, never missed weight (even in kickboxing), never pulled out, fought (while champion) 2 times at short notice, fastest 3 defenses in the UFC. And then triple champ? Hard to beat that.”
Meanwhile, Jean Silva is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Arnold Allen at UFC 324. Following his win, there were discussions about a potential fight between Silva and current featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. However, it now appears that Silva may have to wait for a title shot, as undefeated contender Movsar Evloev is reportedly next in line to challenge Volkanovski for the belt.
Jean Silva supports Alex Pereira’s GOAT status
UFC featherweight contender Jean Silva has highly praised former UFC two-division champion Alex Pereira.
Pereira, who has already achieved UFC middleweight glory once and light heavyweight glory twice, has now relinquished his 205-pound throne to move up.
In his heavyweight debut on June 14th, the Brazilian will face Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title. The winner of this fight is expected to meet undisputed champion Tom Aspinall later this year in a title unification bout. In essence, “Poatan” is on the verge of becoming the first fighter to achieve three-division championship status in the UFC.
Jean Silva commends Alex Pereira’s career achievements
The social media page, The Fight Fanatic, shared a picture of “Poatan” with a caption asking: “If Alex Pereira beats Ciryl Gane and Tom Aspinall next… how high does he climb on the GOAT list?”
Jean Silva noticed the post and responded, commending his compatriot “Poatan.” Silva wrote: “He has never avoided anyone, never missed weight (even in kickboxing), never withdrawn from a fight, fought twice on short notice (while champion), achieved the fastest 3 title defenses in the UFC. And then a triple champion? It’s difficult to surpass that.”
