UFC veteran Matt Brown has questioned the technical proficiency of Alex Pereira, who is set to defend his 205-pound belt against Jamahal Hill at UFC 300, suggesting that Hill could exploit Pereira’s rough-around-the-edges style and potentially win the fight.
Alex Pereira, stepping into UFC 300, is no ordinary MMA fighter. His striking prowess, honed in GLORY Kickboxing, is legendary. He’s won titles in two divisions, which is no small feat.
Next up, Pereira’s defending his 205-pound belt against Jamahal Hill. Hill’s got one more UFC fight under his belt, but they’re tied at four knockouts each. Despite this, Pereira’s the favorite. Many believe his striking ability will carry him to victory, but not everyone agrees. Matt Brown, for instance, has his doubts.
Brown’s got a bone to pick with the hype around Pereira’s technique. On a recent episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, he said, “People way overhype how technical Alex Pereira is.” Pereira’s size, according to Brown, is a significant factor. He’s a “gigantic human being” and “bigger than most 205ers.”
Brown’s critique doesn’t stop there. He’s seen Pereira’s striking instructional on Dynamic Striking and wasn’t impressed. He found it lacking in technique and too rough around the edges. But, he admits, it works for Pereira.
Pereira’s kickboxing resume is impressive, with high-profile wins, including two against future UFC champion Israel Adesanya. He’s successfully transitioned that style to the UFC, becoming a two-division champion in just seven fights. He’s beaten four former UFC titleholders.
Brown, a lifelong striking enthusiast and UFC veteran, acknowledges Pereira’s knockout power. But he’s not convinced Pereira’s as technically proficient as people think.
Brown believes there are plenty of successful strikers who aren’t known for their technique. He cites some famous boxers who’ve made careers as exciting, championship-level fighters without being technical. Pereira, with his powerful punches and kicks, might be one of them.
Pereira’s power has backfired once, though. In a UFC rematch with Adesanya, “The Last Stylebender” knocked him out. Brown thinks Hill could exploit this, as he’s also a bit rough around the edges.
Brown says, “I think someone like Jamahal Hill can go exploit that.” He believes Hill could reach a high level and win championship belts without technical striking. He adds, “But that plays well into Jamahal’s game.”
Hill might not have Pereira’s kickboxing accolades, but Brown sees subtleties in his game. Combined with his power, Hill could potentially knock Pereira out. Brown thinks it’s a tough matchup for Pereira.
Hill’s coming back from a torn Achilles tendon, so he’s got a lot riding on this fight. He had to give up his light heavyweight title due to the injury. Now, he’s back to reclaim the belt he never lost.
Brown thinks this is a golden opportunity for Hill. Especially on UFC 300, one of the biggest cards in UFC history. He says, “I think Jamahal Hill, by far, has the most to win here.”
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