Islam Makhachev touted as massive threat to Alex Pereira in hypothetical matchup

As the highly anticipated UFC 312 approaches, Islam Makhachev is being hailed as a formidable threat to current middleweight champion Alex Pereira. Makhachev, the undisputed lightweight champion, is gearing up to defend his title against the surging contender Arman Tsarukyan on January 18. Yet Makhachev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, believes that the Russian fighter could easily dominate in a hypothetical matchup with Pereira, even at a higher weight class of 205lbs.

Makhachev’s Record: Dominating the Lightweight Division

Islam Makhachev’s rise to the top of the UFC lightweight division has been nothing short of spectacular. Recently, he defended his title for the third time in a thrilling encounter at UFC 302, where he successfully defeated former interim champion Dustin Poirier via a fifth-round D’Arce choke. Makhachev’s flawless grappling and unwavering pressure have made him one of the most feared fighters in the promotion. As he prepares for a title rematch against Arman Tsarukyan, Makhachev’s dominance in the lightweight division remains unchallenged.

Ali Abdelaziz’s Bold Prediction: Makhachev’s Victory Over Pereira

Ali Abdelaziz, Makhachev’s manager, is confident that his fighter can rise through the ranks and challenge fighters much larger than him, even at the light heavyweight level. In an interview with MMA Junkie, Abdelaziz made a bold prediction, stating that Makhachev could easily beat Alex Pereira at 205 lbs. “I think Islam will beat Alex Pereira. He’s just going to take him down and finish him; submit him,” Abdelaziz said. Despite Pereira’s knockout power, Abdelaziz insists that Makhachev’s grappling and well-rounded skill set would overwhelm the Brazilian in any scenario.

Why Makhachev’s grumbling Will Overcome Pereira’s Striking

While Alex Pereira is widely known for his devastating knockout power, especially in the striking department, Makhachev’s manager believes that Pereira’s strengths won’t be enough to withstand Makhachev’s ground game. “Alex Pereira can knock out anybody on the planet if he touches you, but I think Islam Makhachev is this good,” Abdelaziz added. Makhachev’s control on the ground and his ability to submit opponents have been proven time and again in the octagon, and it’s his grappling that sets him apart from others in the division.

Makhachev’s Path to 205lbs: Dominating Multiple Divisions

The prospect of Makhachev moving up to 205lbs has intrigued fans and analysts alike. With a dominant run at lightweight, Makhachev has shown that he’s more than capable of handling fighters in multiple weight classes. Abdelaziz is confident that Makhachev can take on anyone from 155lbs to 185lbs, and his victory over Pereira would further solidify his place among the best in the sport. If Makhachev succeeds in his lightweight title defense against Tsarukyan, the move to light heavyweight could be his next logical step.

Islam Makhachev: The Fighter to Watch in 2025

With UFC 312 on the horizon, all eyes are on Islam Makhachev. His manager’s bold statements about his potential dominance in multiple divisions, including a victory over Alex Pereira, have set the stage for what could be a thrilling year for the lightweight champion. Fans eagerly await to see if Makhachev can continue to prove his supremacy, not just in his own weight class but across the UFC’s most competitive divisions. Could Makhachev’s journey lead to a showdown with Pereira or even higher stakes in the light heavyweight division? The UFC world is watching.

Will Makhachev’s grumbling overcome Pereira’s power?

As the UFC gears up for another exciting year, one of the most tantalizing matchups could be Islam Makhachev vs. Alex Pereira. While Pereira’s knockout power has earned him the title of one of the most dangerous strikers in MMA, Makhachev’s superior grappling could be the key to defeating him. Could Makhachev’s submission skills be the game-changer against a fighter like Pereira? Only time will tell, but the fight would undoubtedly be a spectacle that fans won’t want to miss.