Michael Chiesa believes Alex Pereira is on the verge of all-time greatness as he prepares to chase a third UFC title when he meets Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight belt at UFC Freedom 250.
Pereira, a former two-division UFC champion at middleweight and light heavyweight, is set to face Gane on June 14 at the White House in Washington, D.C., with interim heavyweight gold on the line. Pereira enters the bout with a 13-3 MMA record and 10-2 mark in the UFC, while Gane is 13-2 in MMA and 10-2 in the UFC.
Speaking on “The Bohnfire” podcast with MMA Junkie reporter Mike Bohn, recently retired welterweight and current desk analyst Chiesa laid out what a win would mean for Pereira’s legacy. “If he beats Ciryl Gane, without a doubt he's No. 1,” Chiesa said.
“You could make the argument if Alex Pereira – I don't care if you want to split hairs over the undisputed championship or the interim championship, if you want to split hairs on that, that's on you. But if someone can capture three UFC belts in three different weight classes, you have thrust yourself into the conversation as greatest of all-time. Not of the decade, we're talking all-time. He's one win away from going to the top of an ultra-prestigious, very controversial list.”
Chiesa also praised Pereira’s appeal, adding, “The frequency of the fights and the way that he finishes his fights, he is must-see TV,” and calling him “the complete package” and “a man of the people.”
