Former UFC champion Luke Rockhold’s latest feedback towards Alex Pereira mark a notable change in tone from his earlier criticisms.
Chatting with TMZ Sports activities in Los Angeles shortly after Pereira’s victory over Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320, Rockhold admitted that he as soon as “hated Alex Pereira,” however stopped repeating that angle after witnessing Pereira’s efficiency firsthand. He described Pereira as a “gangster” whose confidence and fearlessness contained in the Octagon earned Rockhold’s respect.
“I used to hate Alex Pereira, however this son of a bitch is a gangster. It is all about confidence. It is all in regards to the ball. He is received it. I can not hate him anymore. He is one of many GOATs as a result of he at all times has the identical mindset. He does not have the bottom sport, however he has the ball. He is one of many biggest champions of all time. That is spectacular.”
Luke Rockhold adjustments tack, labels Alex Pereira a goat
Rockhold, who held the UFC middleweight title from 2015 till shedding it to Michael Bisping, defined that his earlier doubts about Pereira stemmed from Pereira’s perceived lack of a whole floor sport. By his personal account, he believed there have been a number of fighters who might neutralize Pereira on the mat. That view modified after Pereira scored a decisive victory over mild heavyweight champion Ankalaev.
In his feedback, Rockhold emphasised that success in MMA usually will depend on psychological energy. “It is all about confidence. It is all in regards to the ball,” he stated. He admitted that whereas Pereira will not be the perfect on the bottom, his constant and daring strategy makes him “one of many biggest champions of all time”.
Pereira’s journey within the UFC started in late 2021 when he transitioned from an illustrious kickboxing profession to blended martial arts. After profitable his first two UFC bouts, in his third UFC look he confronted Sean Strickland, which confirmed Pereira’s capability to adapt his putting technique below stress. He then challenged Israel Adesanya for his middleweight title and defeated him by knockout to win the belt. The win solidified Pereira’s standing as a mainstay in MMA, particularly since Adesanya had beforehand had a near-perfect report within the promotion.
Since shifting as much as mild heavyweight, Pereira has improved his report to 9-2, racking up high-profile wins and proving his sturdiness towards top-ranked opponents.
Rockhold’s public reversal is necessary for 3 causes. First, it exhibits the impression that high-level wins have on peer perceptions. Second, it emphasizes the significance of psychological traits in elite competitors. Third, it strengthens Pereira’s new legacy as one of many sport’s most influential champions. Rockhold summed it up clearly: “No extra hate. Alex, God bless you, you gangster. He is one of many goats.”
