UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier thinks there’s one key aspect that makes Alex Pereira’s run special.
Pereira has only had 11 pro MMA fights, but he’s already won UFC gold in two weight classes. The Glory Kickboxing Hall of Famer captured the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship that had been vacated after Jamahal Hall was sidelined due to a ruptured Achilles. Pereira scored a second-round TKO over Jiri Prochazka to lay claim to the 205-pound gold at UFC 295 inside Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Daniel Cormier Talks Alex Pereira’s Unprecedented UFC Run
In a post-fight reaction video posted on his YouTube channel, Daniel Cormier discussed the incredible run Alex Pereira has been on in a short period of time.
“His ability to find his shots, his ability to adjust when he’s in trouble, his ability to just win,” Cormier said. “This man has 11 MMA fights, seven UFC fights, and he’s won two belts. It’s unheard of.”
Cormier went on to share his belief that Pereira’s rise isn’t completed without the relationship with former UFC light heavyweight champion Glover Teixeira.
“You know what’s even more special to me? Watching Glover Teixeira react in the way that he does when Alex Pereira does something special,” Cormier said. “He is his mentor, Alex Pereira is his protégé. So, there is no jealousy. It’s all happiness, it’s all support, and I love the relationship between these two.”
As far as whether or not the fight between Pereira and Prochazka was stopped too soon, Cormier said that he’s ultimately at peace with referee Marc Goddard’s decision.
“Would we have have liked to see him take a little more damage? Of course, it’s a title fight, but I have no problem with it,” Cormier said. “Dude will work his way back to a championship opportunity, it’s only a matter of time.”
Here is the full UFC 295 reaction video from Daniel Cormier:
