UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, known for his striking skills, demonstrated his wrestling ability in a friendly exchange with UFC commentator and two-time Olympic wrestler Daniel Cormier.
People often underestimate Alex Pereira’s wrestling skills. He’s the UFC light heavyweight champ and ex-middleweight champ, known primarily for his striking prowess. But, hey, don’t be fooled. Pereira’s a mixed martial artist through and through.
He’s got a GLORY kickboxing championship under his belt, and he’s a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt too. And guess what? As we found out on Tuesday, he’s a better wrestler than you’d think.
UFC 301 is happening this Saturday in Rio de Janeiro. Pereira isn’t fighting, but he’s there, soaking up the atmosphere. On Tuesday, he bumped into UFC commentator and two-time Olympic wrestler Daniel Cormier. What happened next? A playful wrestling match where “Poatan” held his own.
A tweet from Coutinho captures the fun. It shows Pereira and Cormier sparring, with the Brazilian eventually taking the American down. Security had to step in to break it up. All in good fun, of course.
Pereira and Cormier had a bit of a wrestle. Cormier, in jest, called for security. Pereira managed a takedown, and then a UFC official called time. Not too shabby for a kickboxer nursing a couple of broken toes, huh?
But Cormier wasn’t about to let it slide. He warned Pereira that his aggression wouldn’t go unanswered. Retaliation was coming.
“I’m an old guy now. I find ways to win,” Cormier said. “One eye poke, kick balls. I’m going to get your ass now. You better look [with eyes in the back of your head].”
UFC 301 is this Saturday. The main event? A flyweight title fight between Alexandre Pantoja and Steve Erceg. Don’t miss it!