Few names in the mixed martial arts world are as well-known as Alex Pereira. The knockout artist from Brazil has become well-known throughout the world due to his remarkable performance in the UFC, having won two division titles in two years. Even though he doesn’t speak much English, his fierce fighting technique and composed exterior outside of the octagon have made him a fan favourite. What, though, is the key to his quick ascent to fame? Former UFC fighter and MMA analyst Chael Sonnen believes it might be easier than people realise.
Sonnen, a devoted fan of Pereira’s career, recently spoke with renowned combat sports writer Mike Soccio on his YouTube channel on Pereira’s fighting prowess. Sonnen made a startling comparison between Pereira and one of the best freestyle wrestlers of all time, John Smith, during their talk that caught everyone’s attention.
Why would Sonnen make such a comparison between an Olympic freestyle wrestling gold medallist and a UFC light heavyweight champion? It’s all in the perspective. Sonnen contends that exceptional athletes don’t always have sophisticated, well-planned thought processes. Rather, they frequently have a distinct, unwavering resolve. He thinks that Pereira and legends like John Smith both possess this unique quality.
Against all odds, Smith stunned the world in 1988 by taking home the gold medal from the Olympics. Smith responded with a fairly straightforward statement when asked how he managed it: “I just decided I was going to be the world champion.” Sonnen contends that Pereira is motivated by the same simple mindset. Pereira is completely concentrated on the pursuit of victory, unlike many athletes who become engrossed in mental warfare, overanalysing their opponents, or taking advantage of rivalries. It is a quality that sets the genuinely exceptional apart from the ordinary.
The UFC Dominance of Pereira
The “Poatan” Alex Pereira has left a trail of former champions in his wake since making his UFC debut. He has defeated five former champions in just two years and is currently the light heavyweight and middleweight champion. Although his impressive knockouts have made him well-known, MMA commentators and fans are more impressed by his quick ascent to the top.
The UFC community is still full of theories about how Pereira has become so dominant so quickly, but Sonnen thinks there isn’t a magic trick or complex mental game at play. Sonnen explains, “Pereira has simply chosen to be the best. It’s that simple.” He has no intention of using derogatory language to intimidate his rivals. He is not need to. His talent has already implanted itself into their minds.
It was this particular incident, according to Sonnen, that cemented his conviction in Pereira’s brilliance: “There’s always that one guy in the room that changes the dynamic.” Up until a true gangster steps in, everyone is a gangster. That guy is Pereira. Sonnen has a great deal of respect for Pereira because he sees firsthand how the UFC champion excels in the sport and becomes better with each match.
UFC 307 Strategic Alliances
Many have discussed Pereira’s training decisions leading up to UFC 307, where he will defend his light heavyweight title against Khalil Rountree. Sean Strickland, the middleweight champion of the UFC, with a well-known dislike for Rountree, has been his coach. Strickland hasn’t held back when discussing his thoughts in interviews, referring to Rountree as a “beta male” and even charging him with belonging to a cult.
Soccio and other analysts believe Pereira is being smart by training with Strickland. Pereira may be playing mind games by sideing with someone who sincerely despises Rountree without actually participating in the criticism. It’s a shrewd strategy to let his training partner handle the verbal sparring while he keeps his hands clean.
Sonnen, though, rejects the notion of psychological warfare. Rather, he attributes Pereira’s ability to make decisions to his straightforward manner. Sonnen clarifies, “He’s not trying to get inside Rountree’s head.” He is only concerned with improving. He trains with Strickland for this reason—the focus is on performance rather than drama.
The Strength of Uncomplicated Things
Sonnen values athletes who don’t overcomplicate their journeys to success, which is why he thinks Pereira has a simple mindset. Sonnen thinks Pereira is going in a similar direction to John Smith, who achieved Olympic gold just by making the decision to do it. No secret agenda exists, and complex mind tricks are not necessary. Pereira’s objective is straightforward: excel, overcome all obstacles, and triumph.
The fans are excited to see if Pereira’s simple yet astute strategy will pay off as he gets ready to take on Rountree at UFC 307. If Sonnen is correct, Pereira’s success could not have been as difficult as many believe—rather, it would have been the result of straightforward willpower. As Sonnen puts it, great people “just think differently.”
