Former UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos believes fellow Brazilian Alex Pereira has the tools to make an immediate impact at heavyweight when he faces Ciryl Gane for the interim UFC heavyweight title on June 14.
Pereira (13-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC) will attempt to make UFC history by becoming the first fighter to win championships in three different weight classes. The Brazilian star vacated his light heavyweight title earlier this year to pursue a move to heavyweight and a shot at more history.
Speaking with Ariel Helwani this week, dos Santos said he expects Pereira’s aggressive striking style to translate well against elite heavyweights, particularly in his matchup with Gane (13-2 MMA, 10-2 UFC).
“Oh my gosh, I think he's going to do well,” dos Santos said. “I think he's going to do very well, actually. Especially his debut against Gane. I think it's a great fight for him, especially because of his style.”
Dos Santos pointed to Pereira’s forward pressure and knockout power as the biggest factors that could trouble the former interim heavyweight champion.
“He's always putting pressure on his opponents, taking the space,” dos Santos continued. “Of course, Gane is very fast, he has good skills, but the way Alex fights is like putting a lot of pressure, finding a good moment to throw those hard hands on the opponents and that's what I think is gonna happen in this fight.”
The former heavyweight champion also predicted Pereira would ultimately secure a stoppage victory in his debut at heavyweight.
“And at some point he's gonna knock Gane out on this debut at heavyweight,” dos Santos said.
Dos Santos (21-10 MMA, 15-8 UFC) is currently preparing for his own return to combat sports competition, as the former UFC champion is scheduled to face Robelis Despaigne (5-2 MMA, 1-2 UFC) at this Saturday’s MVP event on Netflix.
