Adesanya predicts the winner when both Anderson Silva and Alex Pereira are both at 185 lbs

The middleweight division in MMA has seen some of the most legendary fighters in history, but few names stand out like Anderson Silva and Alex Pereira. Both fighters have left an undeniable mark on the sport, dominating their respective eras with unique skill sets. But what if these two titans of combat sports had met in their prime at 185 pounds?

This hypothetical matchup has sparked intense debate among MMA fans, and Israel Adesanya, a former UFC middleweight champion who has faced both Silva and Pereira in the octagon, was asked to give his thoughts. Known for his deep understanding of striking and high fight IQ, Adesanya provided an in-depth breakdown of this dream fight while struggling to pick a definitive winner.

Analyzing the Matchup: Pereira’s Power vs. Silva’s Technique

When asked about a potential prime-era fight between Anderson Silva and Alex Pereira at 185 lbs, Adesanya didn’t immediately have a clear answer. Instead, he carefully analyzed both fighters’ strengths and how their styles might clash inside the octagon.

“Ooohh… 185lbs, huh? Pereira’s leg kicks are a serious problem. That changes the entire game. Silva was great at mixing everything together… Damn, that’s a really good question.”

Right away, Adesanya acknowledged one of Pereira’s most dangerous weapons: his brutal leg kicks. Known for his devastating low kicks, Pereira has used this weapon to weaken his opponents and set up his powerful left hook. However, Silva, in his prime, was a master of movement, distance management, and counter-striking.

Silva’s ability to control range and utilize his footwork would be a key factor in neutralizing Pereira’s pressure. Adesanya also pointed out that Silva had a versatile kicking game, which could be effective against Pereira’s heavy forward pressure.

“Silva keeps his distance really well, and his footwork could help him deal with Pereira’s pressure. He can also throw good kicks of his own.”

The Southpaw Advantage and the Clinch Factor

Another important element Adesanya touched on was Silva’s stance-switching ability. While Pereira is primarily an orthodox striker, Silva had the ability to fight comfortably from both stances. This could give Silva a strategic advantage in dealing with Pereira’s power shots.

“Hmmm, I don’t know… Was Silva good at fighting southpaw? Yeah, he could switch stances well. He fought well as a southpaw too.”

Another aspect that could play a significant role is the clinch game. Silva was one of the best clinch fighters in MMA history, famously knocking out Rich Franklin with devastating knees from the Thai clinch. However, Adesanya noted that Pereira’s aggressive pressure style makes it difficult for opponents to initiate a clinch battle against him.

“The clinch… What about the clinch? No one really clinches with him (Pereira), though.”

This suggests that while Silva’s clinch game is elite, it might not be a go-to strategy against someone like Pereira, who prefers to keep fights at kickboxing range and deliver fight-ending strikes.

Durability and Chin: Who Could Handle More Damage?

One of the biggest factors in a matchup between two elite strikers is durability. Both Silva and Pereira have displayed incredible toughness throughout their careers, but Adesanya acknowledged that Silva’s chin in his prime was legendary.

“His (Silva’s) chin was rock solid when he was in his prime. He could take big shots.”

Silva’s ability to absorb shots and continue pressing forward made him extremely dangerous, as he often used his head movement and reflexes to slip punches and counter with pinpoint accuracy. However, Pereira’s one-punch knockout power makes him a unique challenge, even for someone as defensively sound as Silva.

Adesanya’s Final Verdict

As someone who has shared the octagon with both Pereira and Silva, Adesanya had a unique perspective on their strengths and weaknesses. Despite his deep analysis, he found it incredibly difficult to pick a definitive winner.

“I want to lean towards Silva, but I don’t want to be too biased. I know, I’ve fought both of them. It’s really hard to choose, but I think I would lean toward Silva.”

Ultimately, Adesanya gave a slight edge to Silva, likely due to his versatility, movement, and ability to adapt inside the octagon. However, he acknowledged that Pereira’s power, leg kicks, and pressure could pose serious challenges, making it a fight that could go either way.

Breaking Down the Key Factors in a Hypothetical Fight

To further analyze this dream matchup, let’s break down the key factors that could determine the outcome:

1. Striking Style and Versatility

• Anderson Silva: One of the most creative strikers in MMA history, known for his ability to fight from different stances, use unorthodox angles, and counter with extreme precision.
• Alex Pereira: A pure power striker with world-class kickboxing experience. His left hook is one of the most dangerous weapons in the sport, capable of knocking out even the toughest opponents.

Advantage: Silva (for versatility), but Pereira has the edge in raw power.

2. Leg Kicks and Pressure Fighting

• Pereira’s leg kicks are a game-changer, as they can quickly break down an opponent’s movement and balance.
• Silva’s movement and footwork would be crucial in avoiding those damaging kicks.

Advantage: Pereira, but only if he can effectively slow Silva down.

3. Clinch and Grappling

• Silva had a deadly Thai clinch, using knees to devastate opponents.
• Pereira prefers to keep fights at range and hasn’t shown much vulnerability in the clinch.

Advantage: Silva, if he can close the distance.

4. Durability and Fight IQ

• Silva’s chin in his prime was legendary, but Pereira has proven he can take big shots as well.
• Silva’s fight IQ and adaptability were among the best in the sport, allowing him to adjust mid-fight.

Advantage: Silva, due to his ability to make in-fight adjustments.

A Battle for the Ages

While we will never see Anderson Silva and Alex Pereira clash in their prime, the debate over who would win is one that will continue for years. Both fighters excel in different areas, making this a truly compelling matchup.

• Silva’s footwork, precision striking, and clinch work would be major weapons.
• Pereira’s power, leg kicks, and relentless pressure would create serious problems.

Even though Israel Adesanya leans towards Silva, he acknowledges that Pereira presents unique challenges that make it difficult to call. In a sport where one strike can change everything, this hypothetical fight would be nothing short of legendary.