5 Reasons why Alex Pereira will become the next two-division UFC champion

Alex Pereira is the latest striking specialist to make the transition from kickboxing to MMA. The Brazilian power-puncher is a former two-division Glory Kickboxing champion. Furthermore, he was the first of his kind in the promotion. While his list of accolades is plentiful, he is primarily known for two things.

The first is for possessing arguably the greatest left hook in MMA. His second claim to fame was defeating former middleweight kingpin Israel Adesanya not once or twice, but three times. The pair first crossed swords in the kickboxing world. Their third bout, however, took place inside the UFC octagon.

While 'Poatan' is yet to successfully defend his newly-captured middleweight crown, there is good reason to believe that he will be the UFC's next two-division champion. The light heavyweight division is ripe for the taking and Alex Pereira may very well be the one to succeed where Israel Adesanya failed.

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#5. Alex Pereira's knockout power will outgun everyone else's

Alex Pereira possesses a nuclear option that he can rely on to finish his bouts. The Brazilian knockout artist is known for his thunderous punching power. It has rarely failed in either kickboxing or MMA. Typically, the worry that most fighters have after they decide to change divisions is how their punching power will hold up.

A good indicator of how hard 'Poatan' punches was in the difference between how Israel Adesanya reacted to his blows compared to Jan Błachowicz's blows. At no point during 'The Last Stylebender's' failed attempt at capturing 205-pound gold was he hurt by the Polish bruiser's punches. Instead, he was bullied and outwrestled.

Only one man in UFC history has ever finished the flashy Nigerian with strikes: Alex Pereira. If his power translates to the division above him, he will likely outgun every other 205'er. Being able to hurt his opponents will keep them from simply marching him down.

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#4. Alex Pereira will not be at a size disadvantage

Another worry that fighters who move up in weight have is whether they'll be big enough to contend with their new opponents. This has been a key part of Darren Till's struggles ever since he debuted at middleweight. The Englishman lacks the size and strength to compete against most 185'ers.

The same cannot be said for Alex Pereira. The reigning middleweight kingpin is a towering 185'er whose physical dimensions match the newly-crowned ruler of the 205 lbs weight class. Both 'Poatan' and Jamahal Hill are six feet and four inches in height with a 79-inch reach.

But it is not only his height and reach that fit in well at light heavyweight. The Brazilian power-puncher's frame is as wide and as thick as it needs to be for success at 205 lbs. The picture he took alongside former light heavyweight title challenger Dominick Reyes is a good indication of just how big 'Poatan' is.

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#3. He already became a two-division champion in kickboxing

One of the most important parts of Alex Pereira's legacy as a martial artist is the unprecedented success he enjoyed as a kickboxer. He became the first-ever two-division champion at Glory Kickboxing, which is the top promotion in the kickboxing world. If he tries to move up in weight, it won't be the first time.

Pereira has challenged light heavyweights before and has succeeded in historic fashion. He is familiar with the process of bulking up properly for light heavyweight bouts. Not only is he familiar with the process of adding the necessary weight to compete against larger foes, but he has also competed against larger foes.

The limit for light heavyweights in kickboxing is 209 lbs compared to 205 lbs in MMA. He was able to achieve championship success in light heavyweight kickboxing, thus, he is likely well-equipped to do the same in MMA.

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#2. Alex Pereira will find several stylistically favorable matchups at 205 lbs

Alex Pereira has an inimitable fighting style. The most reliable weapon in his toolbox is his left hook. Unlike many fighters, the former kickboxer understands that in order to land a left hook, one's opponent must also be close enough to return fire. Thus, there is an element of risk involved in using left hooks.

To mitigate the threat of being countered, 'Poatan' altered his stance by squaring his shoulders and opening his chest. So whenever Pereira steps into range, seemingly exposing himself to his foe's left hook, his left hook is already halfway closer to his opponent than their left hook is to him.

The shorter arc of his left hook means that the reigning 185 lbs king always lands his punches before his foes do. If 'Poatan' debuts at light heavyweight, his opponent will either be Jamahal Hill or Jiří Procházka depending on who will be the champion by then.

The two often fight recklessly by leading with hooks and keeping their chins overexposed to counters. They will likely run the risk of repeatedly running into Pereira's left hook. Since the Brazilian only needs one clean punch to change the trajectory of the bout, his chances of winning are high.

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#1. Alex Pereira will have Glover Teixeira's experience in his back pocket

Glover Teixeira is a former UFC light heavyweight champion. Due to his position at the top of the division, he has ample experience facing the elite 205'ers of the world. While the Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist has since retired from MMA, he recently fought the newly-crowned 205 lbs champion Jamahal Hill.

He also faced former champion Jiří Procházka in one of the greatest fights in the division's history. Other names on his record include one-time 205 lbs champion Jan Błachowicz and one-time title challenger Anthony Smith, both of whom he defeated in impressive fashion.

The experience he gained from the two bouts will likely benefit 'Poatan' given that Teixeira has first-hand knowledge of all of their tendencies. If Pereira steps inside the octagon to face either Hill or Procházka, he will have Teixeira's knowledge to inform his overall strategy and Teixeira himself in his corner.