Dricus Du Plessis Praises Alex Pereira: “He Is The Greatest Combat Sports Athlete In History”

In the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), respect between fighters is often as profound as the rivalries themselves. That respect was on full display recently when UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis spoke about Alex “Poatan” Pereira, the UFC light heavyweight champion and former middleweight titleholder. In a candid and heartfelt statement, Du Plessis praised Pereira as not only one of the greatest UFC fighters but also one of the most accomplished athletes in the entire history of combat sports.

“I think he’s one of the greatest combat sports athletes I’ve ever seen,” Du Plessis said during a recent interview. “I respect him not just as a fighter, but as a human being. We may be potential opponents in the octagon, but that doesn’t take away the absolute respect I have for everything he’s achieved in this sport. He’s one of the greatest of all time—not just in MMA, not just in the UFC, but in the whole world of combat sports. I believe he’s the best athlete in combat sports history.”

This statement has garnered widespread attention, reflecting the deep mutual respect that can exist between two elite athletes, even when they may be destined to clash in the octagon someday.

Alex Pereira: A Legacy Built on Greatness

Alex Pereira’s journey to becoming one of the most revered figures in combat sports is nothing short of legendary. Before making his mark in the UFC, Pereira was already a dominant force in the world of kickboxing. Known by the nickname “Poatan,” which means “stone hands,” Pereira built a reputation for his devastating power, precise striking, and relentless determination.

During his kickboxing career, Pereira achieved the remarkable feat of becoming a two-division champion in Glory Kickboxing, holding titles in both the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions. His ability to dominate opponents in two weight classes set him apart and established him as one of the most dangerous strikers in the world.

Transitioning to MMA: The Rise of a New Champion

After conquering the world of kickboxing, Pereira transitioned to MMA and quickly proved that his striking prowess was just as lethal inside the UFC octagon. His rapid ascent in the UFC’s middleweight division was nothing short of meteoric. With his knockout power and elite striking skills, Pereira quickly climbed the ranks and, in 2022, defeated Israel Adesanya to claim the UFC middleweight championship.

This victory was particularly significant because Pereira and Adesanya had a storied rivalry dating back to their kickboxing days, where Pereira had already defeated Adesanya twice. By defeating Adesanya in MMA, Pereira solidified his legacy as one of the few fighters to best “The Last Stylebender” multiple times across different combat sports.

Mutual Respect in the Octagon

Despite being potential future opponents, Du Plessis and Pereira share a level of respect that is refreshing to see in a sport known for its intense rivalries and trash talk. Du Plessis, who recently defeated Robert Whittaker in a stunning performance to earn a title shot, has openly acknowledged Pereira’s greatness and the impact he has had on the sport.

“He’s not just a great fighter; he’s a great person,” Du Plessis said. “When you look at everything he’s accomplished, it’s hard not to admire him. He’s won world titles in kickboxing, he’s won UFC championships in two different weight classes—it’s incredible. He’s set the standard for what it means to be a true champion.”

The Road Ahead: A Potential Showdown

While Du Plessis currently holds the middleweight title and Pereira reigns as the light heavyweight champion, a showdown between the two could be on the horizon. However, Du Plessis has made it clear that his immediate focus is on defending his middleweight belt against Khamzat Chimaev, another rising star in the division.

“If I can defend my title against Khamzat, then we can talk about what’s next,” Du Plessis said. “But right now, I’m focused on the task at hand. I know Pereira is at 205 pounds now, but who knows? Maybe one day we’ll meet in the octagon. That would be a great fight, and I’d be honored to share the cage with him.”

Pereira’s Response: Ready for a Challenge

For his part, Alex Pereira has indicated that he’s open to a potential fight with Du Plessis, but he has also emphasized that any fight between them would likely take place at light heavyweight, where Pereira currently competes. After vacating the middleweight title, Pereira has fully embraced his role as a light heavyweight contender and recently claimed the title in that division as well.

“If he wants to fight me, he knows where to find me,” Pereira said in a recent interview. “I’m at 205 pounds now, and I’m focused on defending my belt here. But if there’s a chance to fight Du Plessis in the future, I’m open to it. We’re both champions, and champions fight the best.”

What Makes Pereira Special?

Du Plessis’s praise for Pereira goes beyond his accomplishments in the cage. It’s also a recognition of Pereira’s unique qualities as a fighter and a person. Pereira’s stoic demeanor, disciplined approach, and humble attitude have earned him respect not only from his opponents but also from fans around the world.

In addition to his striking skills, Pereira is known for his incredible work ethic and commitment to constant improvement. Despite his success in kickboxing, he made the transition to MMA later in his career and worked tirelessly to develop his grappling and wrestling skills, areas where he was initially seen as vulnerable.

This dedication to growth and his willingness to challenge himself at the highest level have made Pereira a role model for aspiring fighters and a symbol of what it means to be a true champion.

The Legacy of a Champion

As Pereira continues to build his legacy in the UFC, the respect and admiration from fellow fighters like Du Plessis only add to his stature as one of the greatest combat sports athletes of all time. His journey from kickboxing champion to UFC double-division champion is a testament to his talent, determination, and unyielding spirit.

For Du Plessis, the opportunity to compete in the same era as Pereira and potentially face him in the octagon is both a challenge and an honor. Whether or not the two champions ever meet in the cage, the mutual respect between them is a reminder of the sportsmanship and camaraderie that can exist at the highest levels of combat sports.

Conclusion: A Future Filled with Possibilities

As the UFC continues to evolve, the possibility of a showdown between Dricus Du Plessis and Alex Pereira remains an exciting prospect for fans. Both fighters have proven themselves as elite competitors and champions in their respective divisions, and a fight between them would undoubtedly be a spectacle of skill, power, and determination.

In the meantime, the respect and admiration that Du Plessis has expressed for Pereira serve as a powerful reminder of what makes combat sports so compelling—the stories, the rivalries, and the shared respect that transcend the cage. Whether as opponents or as fellow champions, Du Plessis and Pereira have left an indelible mark on the sport, and their legacies will continue to inspire future generations of fighters.