Alex Pereira has teased a possible transfer to heavyweight to chase historical past for a 3rd UFC belt, and top-15 heavyweight Rodrigo Nascimento likes his possibilities in opposition to the elite of the division.
With solely two defeats in seven octagon appearances and having beat the likes of Tanner Boser and Ilir Latifi, “Ze Colmeia” defined in an interview with MMA Combating why he believes Pereira received’t be affected by the bounce to a heavier weight class after already going from middleweight champion to gentle heavyweight titleholder.
“When you’re over 205 kilos, brother, it’s all the identical,” Nascimento stated. “That’s why Alex is prepared to maneuver up. You could have heavyweight power already if you’re over 205, little doubt about it.”
Nascimento, who faces Alexandr Romanov at Saturday’s UFC Edmonton, sees names that “in concept” might be unhealthy match-ups for “Poatan” at heavyweight, however he’s on such a roll in the mean time, defending his 205-pound title 3 times in 2024, that he can overcome these challenges.
“I don’t assume there are lots of good wrestlers within the division to take ‘Poatan’ down,” Nascimento stated. “And the struggle begins on the ft. He has long way, he’s extraordinarily skilled on the ft. I’m certain he’s coaching on the bottom with Glover [Teixeira]. I feel he’ll do nicely on this division.”
“I feel a grappler might be a foul struggle for him on this division. Jon Jones, possibly Tom Aspinall, however I feel ‘Poatan’ can positively beat Tom Aspinall, and possibly Jon Jones, too. If this Jon Jones struggle occurs, he may be very harmful within the first rounds. Jon Jones is spectacular, as [Pereira] is, however I feel he can beat the interim champion. The worst struggle for him, undoubtedly, is Jon Jones.”
Jones is slated to defend his heavyweight title in opposition to Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 on Nov. 16, and interim titleholder Aspinall serves as a possible substitute on the cardboard. The UFC has but to announce who’s subsequent for Pereira’s belt at 205-pound. In the meantime, Nascimento works his approach again up after having his three-fight profitable streak snapped by Derrick Lewis in the principle occasion of UFC St. Louis again in Might.
“Ze Colmeia” stated he has realized essential classes in opposition to Lewis, like coming in lighter to the cage, however there have been upsides from headlining a primary UFC occasion, corresponding to a really profitable new UFC deal for double the pay. Both approach, he guarantees to a “very completely different” model of “Ze Colmeia” this Saturday in opposition to Romanov, who was choked by Jailton Almeida in below three minutes again in June.
“I noticed him this week on the resort and he’s huge, most likely strolling round 277 kilos,” Nascimento stated of Romanov, who received six of 9 within the UFC. “Romanov is a grappler and works the physique, shoots for single leg takedowns, however I’m a jiu-jitsu man, too. I’ll put the stress, take him down and faucet him within the first spherical. I’ll use my floor and pound and I do know he’ll give away his again when he will get determined, after which I’ll submit him.”
Trending Merchandise
