"Magnus Carlsen of MMA!" - Fans react as Alex Pereira says he's willing to share his 2024 Fighter of the Year award with Ilia Topuria

Alex Pereira's comments on sharing the podium as 2024 Fighter of the Year with Ilia Topuria elicited diverse reactions from MMA fans worldwide. Many people have praised Pereira for his humble nature, while some believe Topuria should have received the honor instead of the Brazilian.

Due to his outstanding accomplishments last year, Pereira won the Fighter of the Year award at the 16th annual World MMA Awards, held last December at The Theatre at Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas. Headlining UFC 300, UFC 303, and UFC 307, 'Poatan' successfully defended his light heavyweight title three times, defeating Jamahal Hill, Jiri Prochazka, and Khalil Rountree Jr. respectively.

Nonetheless, a lot of people rallied for Topuria to win the title of fighter of the year after the Spaniard defeated Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski, two of the greatest featherweights to ever compete. His case was strengthened by the fact that both victories were achieved dominantly.

In a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Pereira stated that he would like to share his award with Topuria, who also did a commendable job last year. 'Poatan's words were translated by his MMA coach Plinio Cruz, which said:

''I will share this [award] with him because he’s also done great things and he’s a great guy who brings a lot of joy to people, so he deserves the award too… We both are the best fighters of 2024.”

Check out Alex Pereira's comments below:

Fans soon rushed to the comments section to share their reactions.

One fan wrote:

''The Magnus Carlsen of MMA!''

Another one stated:

''Much respect for that. I personally thought it should’ve either gone to Pereira or they should’ve done a co-fighter of the year.''

Other fans wrote:

''I rather have Alex keep it''

''Poatan big respect but Ilia should've won it''

Check out more reactions below:

Fan reactions [Screenshots courtesy: @ChampRDS on X]

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Alex Pereira wants to face Jon Jones in the future

Alex Pereira has previously expressed his desire to face Jon Jones in a super fight to become a triple champion.

Ahead of the Magomed Ankalaev matchup at UFC 313, Pereira reiterated his desire for a possible fight with Jones in the aforementioned conversation with Ariel Helwani, saying:

''I’m the champ, I want to fight the champ. Let’s make the fight with Jon Jones...I know he respects me, and there’s mutual respect.”

Check out Alex Pereira's comments below: