Joe Rogan Concerned With Dana White’s Plans for Alex Pereira: “He’s Gonna Have Problems”

The standup comic revealed Pereira was receiving instructions from one of the best grapplers to grace the Octagon ever, Glover Teixeira. UFC commentator Joe Rogan believes UFC president Dana White’s grand vision with Alex Pereira is flawed and might hit a snag if the issues aren’t ironed out.

The Brazilian fighter recently announced his plans to move up a division in the aftermath of the title loss against rival Israel Adesanya at UFC 287. While his decision to move up was long muted, the decision came at a crucial juncture in Pereira’s career. However, pundits and fans also have raised apprehensions about whether ‘Poatan’ could address his Achilles heel.

The famed podcaster, while a staunch believer of Pereira’s knockout skills and strength, knows the former Glory champion lacks impeccable ground game. The 35-year-old fighter has to go head-to-head with elite grapplers in the 205 lbs division who are scarce in numbers in middleweight. But, he has a mentor in Glover Teixeira who is helping him polish his grappling skills and takedown defense.

Joe Rogan is not convinced with Alex Pereira’s ground game

The 55-year-old sat down with Dave Smith on Ep. #1977 of JRE. The duo discussed the recent closure of the rivalry between Adesanya and Pereira and also the implications emerging out of it.

While the guest mentioned Pereira would be a force at 205 lbs, the comedian had his doubts. He said, “At 205, he’s gonna have a problem with really elite grapplers, I think.”

Following this, Smith seconded Rogan’s opinion, but also expressed excitement about Pereira clashing with “big grapplers”.

The standup comic revealed Pereira was receiving instructions from one of the best grapplers to grace the Octagon, Glover Teixeira.

Rogan stated, “He is training with Glover [Teixeira]. Glover is one of the best grapplers that ever fought at 205 lbs division. So he’s going to get amazing instruction.”

He also backed his argument as he cited the first MMA fight between Pereira and Adesanya.

An elite grappler can have his way with Alex Pereira

At UFC 281, ‘The Last Stylebender’ took Pereira’s back and was on top of him. As a result, Adesanya swept the round against Pereira. Likewise, many have pointed out the glaring issues with Pereira’s ground game.

Thus, Rogan summed up, “You can imagine someone who is an elite grappler in that division like having a way with him in those situations.”

Therefore, it remains to be seen how Alex Pereira deals with the new array of challengers who will push him to the limits.

Read More: “I Gave Him a Fast Track to the Belt”- After UFC 287 Redemption, Israel Adesanya Discloses the Reason Why Alex Pereira Was Awarded the Title Shot

What do you think of these issues pointed out by UFC commentator Joe Rogan? Do you believe Alex Pereira will thrive in the light heavyweight division? Let us know in the comments below.

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