Alex Pereira's potential GOAT status a "weird" proposition, says ex-UFC star in brutally honest breakdown: "He's going to get torched"

In just 14 fights, Alex Pereira has already accomplished more than most UFC fighters could have ever dreamed of. Unfortunately, his standing as an all-time great is still a bizarre matter to former UFC welterweight Ben Askren, who recently spoke to Daniel Cormier about the entire situation.

The pair touched on Pereira on their Funky and the Champ podcast, and despite 'Poatan's' tremendous success, Askren is still hesitant to shower him with too much praise. His reasoning is that he suspects Pereira's wrestling is still subpar compared to his striking.

"It's so funny to me, because on the one hand, I'm like... he should be in the GOAT conversation. But then on the other hand, I'm like, I kinda think his wrestling still sucks and if he fights someone who's a good wrestler he's gonna get torched. So, it's such a weird balance, I don't know which way I actually feel."

Check out Ben Askren's thoughts on Alex Pereira (2:24):

Askren does have a point in his assessment of Pereira. He has accomplished much, but has fought strikers for the most part. Since Pereira's ascension to championship status, only two fighters have ever seriously used any kind of wrestling and grappling against him.

The first was his longtime rival Israel Adesanya, who outgrappled him in their first encounter at UFC 281. However, it had no impact on the result, as 'Poatan' TKO'd him in round five. The other fighter to do so was former light heavyweight champion Jan Błachowicz at UFC 291.

The Polish star sought to avoid striking with Pereira, opting to wrestle him instead. Despite the success he found on the mat, Błachowicz was ultimately unsuccessful, losing via split-decision.

For this reason, many believe his upcoming UFC 313 fight with Magomed Ankalaev, an educated wrestler, will be his toughest test to date.

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Alex Pereira's last three fights were mainly striking affairs

Alex Pereira's most recent fight was a bloody war with fellow knockout artist Khalil Rountree Jr., who 'Poatan' TKO'd in round four. Prior to that, he had annihilated former light heavyweight champion Jiří Procházka within two rounds, with no takedown shot by either man.

Check out Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree Jr. highlights:

Before that, he authored a similarly lopsided win over Jamahal Hill, knocking him out at UFC 300 in just three minutes. Again, no takedown was attempted by either fighter.