Khabib’s Coach Backs Alex Pereira’s Decision Despite Dana White’s Warning on HW Move

Reigning UFC lightweight champion Alex Pereira has arguably had the most spectacular rise to fame in combat history. The former Glory FC kickboxing two-division champion has claimed honors in two divisions in UFC history within only seven fights in the promotion. However, his path to glory doesn’t end there.

After his spectacular UFC 300 victory over Jamahal Hill, ‘Poatan’ outlined his intention to move up to heavyweight. The Brazilian aims to become the UFC’s first three-division champion. And Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s former coach, Javier Mendez thinks Pereira could accomplish this feat. However, he foresees one fighter who could stop him in his tracks.

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s close aide on board with Alex Pereira’s potential heavyweight move

After knocking out Jamahal Hill in style in the main event of UFC 300, Alex Pereira called for a heavyweight bout in his native Brazil next. However, UFC CEO Dana White, speaking to the media, did not seem enthusiastic about the idea. He was of the opinion that ‘Poatan’ should stay at 205 and defend his title. He also added that the future of heavyweight revolved around fighters like Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall.

However, the Power Slap founder didn’t rule it out completely. He said he would talk to Pereira over the next few weeks and figure out his next move. But, the light heavyweight champion has gotten a vote of confidence from AKA head coach Javier Mendez. The Mexican coach felt that only Jon Jones could stand between Poatan’s pursuit of heavyweight gold.

“Hey you can’t you cannot tell me he [Pereira] can’t do it. You cannot tell me he cannot do it, because the only person that he’d have a hell of a time with is Jon Jones. But the other guys, I don’t know man, I don’t know,” the Mexican-American told his co-host on his podcast.

Clearly, Pereira will be at a disadvantage if he moves up to heavyweight. In addition, Tom Aspinall and Jon Jones are probably two of the most skilled fighters in the UFC. However, Pereira seems to be up to the challenge. While he does not have the ground game, he has concussive power in his hands, which is always dangerous, even against the likes of Jones and Aspinal. In fact, so hard that Mendez is concerned about the UFC fighter’s future.

Mendez understands why Pereira’s coach looks worried, holding pads for him

Javier Mendez was surprised to learn that Alex Pereira had broken the record for the hardest punch at the UFC’s Performance Institute recently. “He did (break Francis Ngannou’s record for the hardest punch),” Mendez said after being informed about it by his co-host.

This led the distinguished coach to reminisce about the times he had seen Pereira hitting the pads with his coach. Mendez recalled being puzzled at seeing Pereira’s coach have a worried and concerned look on his face while holding the bag for the champion. And now he understood the reason behind it: Pereira’s fearsome power.

“Now that makes sense when I watch him hit the pads on his coach. Bro his coach look kind of like, ‘man this guy’s going to break my face.’ You know his coach is like, worried a little bit… The way I saw him punching, I’d be a little concerned too,” he said. Nevertheless, the future of the heavyweight division could see an uptick in the level of competition. What do you think about Pereira’s desire to move up to being heavyweight?