“Washed Up Vets Who Never Amounted to Anything”: Alex Pereira Comes Out Guns Blazing at Fellow Light Heavyweight After His Recent Criticism of the Former Middleweight Champ

The former middleweight champion Alex Pereira recently made a huge jump in the UFC. His decision to move up to the light-heavyweight division has been widely debated. While he has fought in heavier segments during his time earlier as a kickboxer, the move is a first for ‘Poatan’ in the UFC. In his fight at light heavyweight against Jan Blachowicz he won by a decision. With some commenting on how good his new avatar looked, others have expressed apprehension at how this move will fare for the Brazilian.

With a solid record of 8-2 in the UFC, the former kickboxer has had an admirable run. He held the Middleweight championship title until his loss to Israel Adesanya at UFC 287. At 6’4 Pereira was an imposing figure over the middleweight division. But his decision to fight in a higher weight class has been scrutinized on many occasions, especially by one particular light-heavyweight. The UFC veteran has expressed his doubts about ‘Poatan’s performance. However, in a recent video, Pereira held nothing back as he let the world know his opinions on the criticism.

Alex Pereira slams naysayers in a fiery rant

‘Poatan’ in the clip defined the section of people who have issues with his career. He said, “The only ones who speak bad about me are Anthony Smith types, washed-up vets who never amounted to anything, who are still fighting. They’re in a really tight spot. Or the guy who is still a nobody.” After name dropping Anthony Smith, he further drew a divide between the ones criticizing him and those who didn’t.

He elaborated, “But those who are already doing well, I don’t see them talking about me, you know.” ‘Poatan’ took more direct shots at ‘Lionheart’ in his rant. He called the veteran “bitter” and chalked up his incessant criticism to ‘Lionheart’s apparent dissatisfaction with himself. He continued, “It’s just the ones beneath me, you get me? Or those who tried and failed, bitter souls like Anthony Smith. That’s the thing.” The Brazilian also clarified that he didn’t like bad-mouthing anyone. He said, “So I don’t really like doing this, you know? Coming here just to bad-mouth people.”

‘Poatan’ addresses doubts regarding his skill

He clarified that he wasn’t in fact, bad-mouthing. Pereira continued, “Actually, I’m not really bad-mouthing anyone. I’m just speaking the truth. What’s bad is what these dudes do to me, you get me?” Addressing a point of contention that was his technical skill, ‘Poatan’ said, “You’re here and you’re gonna talk about my technical skill? Come on, I’m winning, I’m- Come on, I’ve beaten everyone there man. I only lost to Adesanya, you know? What did these guys want to say? You get me? ”

Read More: “Look Who I Found Here”- Alex Pereira Trolls Alexander Volkanovski Amid His Recent Visit to Germany

The clip ends with a clearly retaliating Pereira throwing more shade on Anthony Smith. He stated the reason for ‘Lionheart’s main event fight as Jon Jones and discredited the veteran. He said, “And that’s it. He’s a frustrated guy right? I think he was a main event right? Thanks to Jon Jones. Because if it wasn’t for Jon Jones, he wouldn’t even have been in that main event.” As tensions escalate, fans will be excited to see more of Pereira in this weight class. As time progresses Pereira seems determined to shut down any and every doubt regarding his qualifications.

After his win over former champion Blachowicz at UFC 291, Pereira might be in contention for a shot at the vacant title. Do you think he can silence his critics for good by winning a second title in the UFC? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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