Robert Whittaker has now come out with some statements regarding the situation as regards to Alex Pereira switching back to middleweight. As per Whittaker, Pereira who recently expressed his interest in fighting middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis could be a man who talks more than he can chew. The ex-champion of the middleweight division is not too eager on what Pereira has in store, and a transition back to 185 may not be so easy.
Pereira who was also helping to host the fight has arguably been instrumental at UFC by knocking down the middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya at UFC 281 to claim the belt. Following a rematch at UFC 287 Pereira stepped up to the light-heavyweight division where he won and successfully defended a title twice Though, Whittaker feels that going back down in weight may not be a wise move for Pereira, particularly against du Plessis.
In an interview, Whittaker questioned Pereira’s viability of making a well-executed transition back to the middleweight division. “I hope he doesn’t,” Whittaker said when asked if Pereira could move. “For Pereira there is no real struggle. Transitioning from light weight to light weight is a potential problem. Pereira’s has been competing in the 205 pound division for a while. Returning to 185 is a major adjustment since du Plessis is one of the strongest middleweight contenders.”
Du Plessis successfully retained his middle weight championship title and reclaimed it from ex champion Israel Adesanya in UFC 305. When he faced du Plessis in UFC 290 and got knocked out Whittaker was able to attest to the strength that du Plessis has Whittaker was a beast during his performance as he demonstrated his power and constant aggression. “Dricus is a special animal,” Whittaker said. ‘He likes to be punched, and he punches too. It is difficult to slow you down. He caught Adesanya and broke his jaw … Adesanya is famous for his strong jaw.’
Whittaker’s Experience with du Plessis
Whittaker’s confrontation with du Plessis showed just how effective and strong the South African fighter can be. Reflecting on his fight with du Plessis, Whittaker admitted he may have underestimated it. “I rarely underestimate opponents, but I did with du Plessis,” Whittaker admitted. “He looks like a pub fighter, but his style is incredibly effective. His approach isn’t pretty, but it works. His intellect and power behind his shot is what makes him awesome.”
Way Forward for Pereira
If Pereira decides to return to middleweight, it won’t be immediate. Pereira is set to defend his light heavyweight title against Khalil Rowntree Jr. on Oct. 10, 5 at UFC 307 in Salt Lake City. This fight will likely keep Pereira busy for now, and any possibility of a middleweight clash with du Plessis will be a consideration in the future.
Whittaker’s careful advice highlights the challenges and dangers of weightlifting. For Pereira, the road back to middleweight could be fraught with challenges, especially against a dangerous opponent like du Plessis. While the UFC landscape continues to shift, the potential for a clash between Pereira and du Plessis remains intriguing, but one that presents significant obstacles.
