Well, it’s no big surprise, really. Everyone in Brazil seems to think Alex Pereira’s got this Saturday’s fight in the bag.
The UFC’s gearing up for a massive show at UFC 300. It’s happening this Saturday. On the main card? Two of Brazil’s finest. Light heavyweight champ Pereira (9-2) is set to defend his title against Jamahal Hill (12-1, 1 NC). And then there’s Charles Oliveira (34-9, 1 NC), the former lightweight champ. He’s eyeing the number one contender spot in a bout against Arman Tsarukyan (21-3). The buzz? It’s all about Pereira. Fighters and coaches alike, they’re all singing his praises.
Charles Oliveira threw in his two cents. “Hill’s playing games,” he said. “Says he’ll stand and trade with ‘Poatan’? Nah, he’s looking to take it to the ground. But if he tries to go punch for punch? He’s going down. ‘Poatan’s’ out for blood, especially after Glover’s loss to Hill.”
Patricky Freire, that Bellator MMA champ, chimed in too. “This fight? It’s gonna be a breeze for Pereira compared to his scrap with Jiri [Prochazka]. Hill might aim for a takedown, sure. But Pereira’s been grinding with Glover every day. Glover’s word? You can’t keep this guy down. Once it’s back to standing? Hill’s in for a world of hurt.”
Vitor Miranda, once a UFC fighter and now a commentator, sees similarities between Hill and Jiri. “Hill’s got that long jab, that straight. But ‘Poatan’? He’s got to move, use that footwork. My bet? ‘Poatan’ ends it with a KO.”
Carlos Barreto, another former UFC fighter turned commentator, thinks Hill’s a tough match for ‘Poatan’. “Hill’s got power, and he’s a southpaw. Remember how Adesanya switching stances threw ‘Poatan’ off? Still, ‘Poatan’s’ got a slight edge. But don’t sleep on Hill.”
Andre Pederneiras, the guy behind Nova Uniao, is all in on ‘Poatan’. “Feels like the guy’s from another planet. Jumped from kickboxing to MMA and just… excelled. It’s unreal. If I were a betting man? My money’s on ‘Poatan.'”
Rafael Cordeiro of Kings MMA reckons Hill’s never faced anyone like ‘Poatan’. “He’s on another level. I’m expecting ‘Poatan’ to catch Hill off-guard with a counter.”
Ricardo Liborio, once at the helm of American Top Team, sees ‘Poatan’ controlling the fight. “He’s got the perfect style to keep Hill at bay. Between him and Oliveira at UFC 300? ‘Poatan’s’ got the better shot.”
Jayme Sandall, who coached Vitor Belfort in karate, can’t help but admire ‘Poatan’. “Sure, he takes risks. But man, does he impress. Best in MMA right now. Hill’s gonna have to respect his power. ‘Poatan’s’ keeping that belt.”
Mano Santana, Rodolfo Vieira’s karate coach, sees it as a tough test for ‘Poatan’. “Hill might pull a Jiri and go for a surprise takedown. But my money’s still on ‘Poatan’.”