Amid continued speculation regarding how his style will translate at 205 pounds ahead of UFC 291 divisional landing, former middleweight champion, Alex Pereira has been backed to likely take over the throne from champion, Jamahal Hill by teammate, Glover Teixeira – who claims the matchup is “perfect” for his compatriot.
Glover Teixeira believes his protege, Alex Pereira, will inevitably emerge victorious against UFC light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill.
Alex Pereira will move up to the light heavyweight division to face former UFC heavyweight category champion Jan Blachowicz at UFC 291 on July 29.
A win for Alex Pereira could earn him a title shot at 185 pounds. Pereira already has the distinction of being a former UFC middleweight champion. According to his friend, Glover Teixeira already has the answer to the question.
Alex Pereira and by KO Speaking to reporters after his grappling win over Anthony Smith at UFC Fight Pass Invitational 4, Glover Teixeira expressed his belief that Alex Pereira would have great success against Hill as well as at light heavyweight.
“Jamahal Hill’s style in combat is perfect for Alex,” Teixeira explained. “It is true that Jamahal Hill is a great fighter and Jan is a great fighter too.
We don’t look at Jan like that. The styles make the fights. My style was more grappling, and Jan is a terrific striker. He beat Israel Adesanya and he was doing very well in standing fights before getting into takedowns. Jan is dangerous, he hits hard. »
“But if everything goes as planned and Alex can get past Jan, I think Jamahal Hill will be an amazing fight for Alex, and it would be nice to see a rematch, nothing against Jamahal Hill, he’s a great guy too, but yes. »
Hill captured the UFC light heavyweight title by defeating Teixeira via unanimous decision earlier this year. After the title fight, Teixeira announced that he was retiring from professional MMA competition.
Hill won the fight in enemy territory, as it took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Hill’s first challenger for the title is uncertain as former champion Jiří Procházka is unlikely to return this summer.
