5 talking points going into UFC 276: Adesanya vs. Cannonier

#4. Is Alex Pereira a legitimate world-class mixed martial artist?

Without a shadow of a doubt, Alex Pereira is among the best kickboxers on the planet. Over the course of his 40-fight professional kickboxing career, the heavy-handed Brazilian compiled an astonishing résumé of jaw-dropping knockouts.

The most notable finish from Pereira's kickboxing days remains his one-punch KO of Israel Adesanya back in 2017.

After putting together a 3-1 MMA record, Pereira signed with the UFC in 2021. In his first two fights inside the famed octagon, 'Po Atan' picked up a stunning knockout victory against Andreas Michailidis and a decision win over Bruno Silva.

Despite being unranked, the promotion is seemingly looking to catapult Pereira up the 185-pound ladder. As such, the Brazilian is set to lock horns with No.4-ranked middleweight contender Sean Strickland.

Sean Strickland is the perfect litmus test to determine whether Alex Pereira is a legitimate championship contender or not. Strickland clearly likes to stand-and-bang like Pereira, but the outspoken American is also well-versed in the grappling arts.

Clearly, a fight between Pereira and middleweight king Israel Adesanya is being targeted by the matchmakers, considering their history. A win over 'Tarzan' at UFC 276 would put 'Po Atan' in a strong position to run it back with 'The Last Stylebender'.

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#3. Can Sean O'Malley deliver a statement-making win?

Sean O'Malley is among the most popular fighters on the UFC roster, despite being quite far off a shot at a championship. Since his scorching performance on Dana White's Contender Series, 'Sugar' has accrued seven victories inside the octagon, of which five were highlight reel knockouts.

O'Malley's win over Raulian Paiva at UFC 269 last year saw the rising bantamweight star break into the 135-pound rankings. Having recently signed a new contract with the promotion, 'Sugar' is set to take on bigger and better opponents in the coming years.

At UFC 276, Sean O'Malley will take on MMA veteran Pedro Munhoz. O'Malley currently occupies the No.13 spot in the rankings. A win over 'The Young Punisher', who sits at No.9, will likely see the popular bantamweight finally break into the top ten at 135 pounds.

Pedro Munhoz has fought some of the biggest names in UFC history in his 26-fight career thus far, and notably, has never been finished. Having shared the octagon with the likes of Cody Garbrandt, Aljamain Sterling, Rob Font, Frankie Edgar, Jose Aldo and Dominick Cruz, Munhoz has a ton of experience against high-level competition.

If Sean O'Malley can finish the incredibly durable Munhoz at UFC 276, it will certainly be a commendable feat. 'Sugar' has a chance to truly make a resounding statement this weekend, which will see his stock skyrocket even further if he emerges victorious.