Michael Bisping: Alex Pereira Needs to Prove He’s a True UFC Champion
Former UFC Middleweight Champion Michael Bisping has weighed in on Alex Pereira’s potential move to the middleweight division. Pereira, the reigning UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, is slated to defend his title against Khalil Rountree at UFC 307. Despite Pereira’s success in the light heavyweight division, Bisping believes he still has more to prove before venturing into another weight class.
Evaluating Pereira’s Competition So Far
Bisping suggests that Pereira’s path to light heavyweight championship success has primarily involved facing strikers. While Pereira has showcased devastating striking power and defeated notable opponents, Bisping points out that he hasn’t yet been tested against a truly elite grappler or a fighter with a diverse stylistic background at the highest level of the UFC. For Pereira to solidify his legacy as an all-time great, Bisping emphasizes the need for him to confront and overcome a wider array of fighting styles within the octagon. This will demonstrate his adaptability and true championship mettle beyond just his impressive knockout ability.
Upcoming Challenges and the Importance of Remaining Focused
Looking ahead, Bisping highlights the potential challenges that await Pereira, even within his current division. Following his bout with Rountree, a highly respected contender with a strong wrestling background, Pereira could face the formidable Magomed Ankalaev. Ankalaev, known for his powerful wrestling and ground-and-pound, represents a different kind of threat that Bisping believes Pereira must be prepared for. Bisping stresses the importance of Pereira prioritizing his immediate defenses in the light heavyweight division, cautioning against underestimating fighters like Rountree and Ankalaev, both of whom pose unique and significant challenges to his championship reign.
Building a Legacy Through Diverse Challenges
Ultimately, Bisping’s perspective underscores that to cement his legacy, Pereira must be willing and able to face and defeat a variety of opponents with distinct fighting styles. While Pereira may harbor ambitions of moving down to middleweight and challenging Dricus Du Plessis, Bisping advises that he first fulfill his obligations as the light heavyweight champion. He argues that Pereira owes it to his division and the fans to defend his title against worthy contenders before considering a new weight class. Demonstrating dominance in the light heavyweight division by overcoming diverse challenges is crucial before Pereira seeks new frontiers elsewhere. Bisping’s critical assessment of Pereira’s current standing in the UFC sheds light on the responsibilities and hurdles that come with being a champion.
