UFC legend believes Alex Pereira is replacing Conor McGregor, emerging as new face of UFC: "This guy shows up"

Alex Pereira is set for a quick turnaround to the octagon against Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303. The light heavyweight champion headlined UFC 300 a little over two months ago.

With the Brazilian's exemplary level of activity in the sport, a promotional legend is convinced that 'Poatan' is slowly replacing Conor McGregor as the face of the company.

In a media segment during the 2024 UFC Hall of Fame inductions, former two-division champion Daniel Cormier heaped praise on Pereira, saying:

"When you are trying to have that as your title [the face of the UFC]... This man here, because of his consistency, because of his activity, because of the time he spends in the octagon is why people respect him. Look Conor McGregor will always be the biggest star the UFC has ever seen. But Conor McGregor doesn't fight anymore. It's this guy, right here. And it's this guy, because this guy shows up. You never can appreciate anyone that is not here. This guy is always here."

Cormier added that fans will miss Pereira once he no longer holds the belt, because he is uncharacteristically active for a UFC champion:

"No champions, guys, fight as much as this guy... When I was the champion, I fought once or twice a year... Alex Pereira doesn't live by those same rules."

Catch Daniel Cormier's comments below (8:00):

'Poatan' is one of the most active fighters on the roster. The 36-year-old has fought on seven occasions since 2022.

UFC 303 was originally billed to be headlined by a welterweight contest between McGregor and Michael Chandler. However, 'The Notorious' withdrew from the event due to a toe injury.

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Alex Pereira doesn't "judge" Conor McGregor for pulling out of UFC 303

While the MMA world is pretty distraught with Conor McGregor pulling out of UFC 303, Alex Pereira seems to understand the Irishman's predicament.

'Poatan' successfully made his first title defense at UFC 300 against Jamahal Hill, while suffering from a broken toe. However, during a pre-fight press conference for his upcoming fight, Pereira refused to judge McGregor for not fighting after suffering a similar injury:

"Well, you can never judge people's fate. It's different scenarios, different situations. He made his name, he made his money, he made his life. I'm kind of halfway there, so I fought with a broken toe too [because] of my situation. But maybe if I was in his situation, I might not have fought. So, we cannot judge."

Catch Alex Pereira's comments below (11:09):