Alex Pereira expects Jamahal Hill to be 100% when he returns to the Octagon at UFC 300.
‘Sweet Dream’ will attempt to reclaim the light heavyweight crown he never lost on April 13, headlining the promotion’s massive landmark event with reigning and defending 205-pound king Alex Pereria. Hill’s return comes a mere nine months removed from a ruptured Achilles injury he suffered during a charity basketball game over the summer.
Considering that an injury of this nature typically takes a year minimum to recover from fully, pundits have expressed concern about Hill’s health going into a fight with one of the most dangerous strikers on the planet.
Talking with TMZ Sports, Alex Pereira was asked about Jamahal Hill’s status — specifically, whether or not he believes the former champ will be 100% ready to go come fight night.
“We believe that he’s going to be 100% ready,” Pereira said. “Otherwise, why would he have taken the fight? I know the caliber of fighter that I’m going to fight and we think that he’s going to be absolutely ready. And if he’s not, I’m sorry.”
Alex Pereira Dubs Himself ‘The People’s Champ’
Just seven fights into his UFC run, Pereira has already etched his name into the history books, winning both the middleweight and light heavyweight titles in the span of a year.
On top of that, he can also add headlining the biggest card of all time to his resume.
“It absolutely means a lot to me to be one of the biggest cards of all time, but I try not to let it get to my head,” Pereira said. “I stay grounded and I think that’s what the UFC likes. Wherever I go, I treat people right. The fans love me and they see the fans’ love for me and I think that motivated the UFC to put me in the position. I’m not the kind of guy who talks too much. I’m the people’s champ.”
As for how he sees things playing out against Hill, Alex Pereira is preparing to go a full five rounds with ‘Sweet Dreams,’ but if he can put his opponent to bed early, all the better.
“I see myself winning the fight,” Pereira added. “I see myself fighting five rounds, but if I end up knocking this guy out or finishing him in a faster fashion, even better.”
Watch the full interview below:
