Dustin Jacoby: I’m a big fan of Alex Pereira, but Anthony Smith makes a valid point about him

Dustin Jacoby Reflects on Alex Pereira’s Meteoric Rise in the UFC

Former GLORY Kickboxing competitors Dustin Jacoby and Alex Pereira have a shared history that runs deep. Having faced off in the ring before, Jacoby has a unique perspective on Pereira’s journey to becoming a UFC champion.

Pereira’s rapid ascent in the UFC has left many in awe, including Jacoby, who is amazed by the Brazilian’s accomplishments in such a short span of time. With only 12 fights under his belt, Pereira has already claimed titles in two divisions, showcasing his exceptional striking abilities and knockout power.

Despite his success, Pereira has faced criticism from veteran light heavyweight contender Anthony Smith, who has questioned Pereira’s limited skill set and lack of elite wrestling and grappling abilities. Smith, while impressed by Pereira’s achievements, believes that there are fighters in the UFC who could exploit Pereira’s weaknesses with the right strategy.

Jacoby echoes Smith’s sentiments, acknowledging Pereira’s striking prowess but also recognizing the potential vulnerabilities in his game. While Jacoby is a self-proclaimed fan of Pereira, he believes that there are fighters in the UFC who could pose a challenge to the Brazilian if they can implement the right game plan.

The conversation around Pereira often circles back to his grappling skills, with Smith openly welcoming the opportunity to test his ground game against the Brazilian. Jacoby, too, acknowledges that Pereira may struggle against opponents with strong grappling abilities, like Smith.

Despite the criticisms and doubts surrounding Pereira’s skill set, Jacoby acknowledges his accomplishments and the impact he has made in the UFC. While Pereira continues to dominate his opponents with his striking, Jacoby and Smith both maintain that there are areas in which Pereira can still improve.

In the end, Jacoby applauds Pereira for his success but also recognizes the validity of Smith’s critiques. As Pereira’s journey in the UFC unfolds, it remains to be seen if he can continue his reign of dominance or if his weaknesses will be exposed by savvy opponents.