Alex Pereira’s title win at UFC 320 has sparked plenty of debate, and one fighter’s reaction is getting a lot of attention – and not all of it positive.
Pereira reclaimed the light heavyweight title in Saturday’s pay-per-view main event after losing it in March.
The Brazilian had promised to get back at Magomed Ankalaev for their UFC 313 clash, and he delivered in style.
‘Poatan’ needed only 80 seconds to finish the job, knocking out Ankalaev and ending his brief time as champion.
Pereira’s impressive performance has led a fellow Brazilian fighter to make a bold claim about his place in the promotion’s history.
Renato Moicano labels Alex Pereira as the ‘best Brazilian fighter to ever exist’ after UFC 320
In the wake of UFC 320’s main event, praise for Pereira poured in from all corners of the fight world, and not just from fans. Fighters and analysts also weighed in, many of them sharing similar views.
Renato Moicano was among those voices. The lightweight contender is one of several Brazilians who has climbed into title contention, though he is yet to claim gold himself.
He made a strong statement about where he feels ‘Poatan’ stands within their country’s storied history.
“The best Brazilian fighter to ever exist,” Moicano published on social media after Pereira’s win over Ankalaev.
Pereira is not short on accolades – but even so, Moicano caught some criticism for overlooking several other greats Brazil has produced over the years.
Fans respond to Renato Moicano’s Alex Pereira comment by bringing up Anderson Silva, Jose Aldo, and others
Moicano’s opinion quickly sparked debate among fans.
Plenty of people suggested other names for the honour, with Jose Aldo and Royce Gracie frequently mentioned. But the most common response was Anderson Silva.
“Anderson Silva is and I’m a huge ‘Poatan’ fan. ‘Poatan’ 2nd though.”
“Jose Aldo, RDA, Charles Oliveira, and Patrício Pitbull all say hello.”
“Prime Anderson Silva was better.”
“Royce (Gracie) is probably the greatest for many other reasons but Silva is right there.”
“Calm down, man, don’t forget about Anderson Silva.”
“Not even close! But maybe most powerful! One dimensional. Royce Gracie is your GOAT!”
“I mean, that belongs to Anderson and Aldo, but Alex is cool.”
“Don’t insult Jose Aldo. No failed drug tests, honorable fighter. Alex is very good but he’s not quite there yet. I’d put him over Anderson because of his clean sheet.”
“Come on dude. Were you born in 2020?”
“Alex Pereira is excellent but Anderson Silva was a super, super, exceptional talent. No Brazilian fighter comes close to him.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
