“Tough Dude” Alex Pereira Backed to Make History as a Three-Division UFC Champion By Stipe Miocic

A former UFC heavyweight titleholder believes Alex Pereira can still attain three-division glory in the UFC.

Pereira, a former two-division titleholder, moved up to the 265-pound division earlier this year and, on his debut, had a chance to claim the interim strap and become the first fighter in UFC history to hold belts in three different weight classes. However, Ciryl Gane knocked him out on June 14 at the White House, crushing his big plans.

Alex Pereira will now look to return to winning ways against Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 335. But if things don’t play out well for “Poatan” against the Russian star, he’s game to move back down to 205 pounds.

Meanwhile, a former UFC heavyweight champion still believes Pereira can win a third belt.

Stipe Miocic Says Alex Pereira “Can Win A Third Belt”

Stipe Miocic, one of the greatest heavyweights in UFC history, offered an example from his own career while praising Alex Pereira and explaining why “Poatan” could also become a heavyweight champion.

Miocic knocked out now-former UFC double champ Daniel Cormier in their rematch at nearly 38 years old to reclaim the heavyweight title, and he says the 39-year-old Pereira has what it takes to excel in “the big boy class.” Lauding the Brazilian phenom, Miocic told Athlon Sports:

“I think he [Alex Pereira] can win a third belt. I won a belt at 38. I think he’ll be fine. He’s tough. That was his first time fighting in the big boy class, and I think he’s shown he’s ready to do it. He knows what to expect. It’s tough, but he comes ready every time.”

“I think he’s already at that level. He’s already won 2 belts in 2 weight classes, so I mean, he’s done more than I have. I’ve only won one weight class. He’s got the right coaches with him to really succeed. He’s a tough dude, and he’ll be fine.” [h/t: Athlon Sports]