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Alex Pereira pulled off one of the biggest upsets of 2022 when he knocked out the previously dominant Israel Adesanya to lay claim to the UFC middleweight championship. While there is no question about his skill and determination, the Brazilian's size has often been the subject of debate.
Many fans and fighters believe that 'Poatan' is too big to be a middleweight. Recent training footage uploaded to Instagram by the Brazilian has further fueled such speculation.
Reacting to a new pad work footage of the 185-pound champion. Instagram user @zuhdi_nugraha claimed that Alex Pereira is going to be the light heavyweight champion in 2023.
Another user @streekh said:
"Imagine if he fights the next LHW champ and wins just to do what izzy couldn't do."
Instagram user @flight_214_ agreed with UFC middleweight Robert Whittaker, who said that 'Poatan' was a huge middleweight:
"Lol Robert Whittaker was absolutely right. Look at the size difference between Alex and his training partner. This dude is a giant, who let him in?"
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@fepretu claimed that 'Poatan' is so huge that he will definitely capture the 205-pound crown in 2023:
"You're such a huge bug, you'd be a light heavyweight champion! Continue the Reign of @gloverteixeira. Champion in 2 categories in 2023 for sure."
In a critical comment, @ashby_jye claimed that the Brazilian's size advantage over other middleweights is what is making him appear so good.
When Joe Rogan said that Alex Pereira was doing "sanctioned cheating"
During episode #1900 of the Joe Rogan Experience podcast featuring comedian Steve-O, Rogan gave his thoughts on Alex Pereira's size and stature.
The duo were discussing Alex Pereira's knockout win against Israel Adesanya at UFC 281 when the color commentator said that Pereira's ability to cut to the middleweight limit is "sanctioned cheating."
Rogan said:
"He could have been [around 220 pounds at UFC 281]. He certainly gets above that in-between fights. He has a hard time making 185. It's a bull***t thing. It's basically sanctioned cheating. It really is. But everybody does it."
Watch the full podcast JRE episode below:
