Stipe Miocic isn't ruling out Alex Pereira's chances of becoming UFC heavyweight champion.
Former two-division champ Pereira's (13-4 MMA, 10-3 UFC) third title hopes took a hit after he was finished by Ciryl Gane in their interim title fight at UFC Freedom 250 in June.
He will look to rebound when he meets Sergei Pavlovich (20-3 MMA, 9-3 UFC) in a five-round bout at UFC 335 on the Dec. 12, which takes place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas (Paramount+). Arguably the greatest heavyweight of all time Miocic rates Pereira's accomplishments very highly.
"I think he can win a third belt," Miocic told Athlon Sports (h/t Casino.org) of Pereira. "I won a belt at 38. I think he'll be fine. He's tough. That was his first time fighting in the big boy class,
and I think he's shown he's ready to do it. He knows what to expect. It's tough, but he comes ready every time ... I think he's already at that level. He's already won two belts in two weight classes, so I mean, he's done more than I have. I've only won one weight class."
Pereira is no stranger to rebounding. He lost his UFC middleweight title to Israel Adesanya by knockout, but found instant success at light heavyweight en route to capturing a second belt. After losing his UFC light heavyweight title to Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313, he avenged that loss by finishing him by Round 1 TKO at UFC 320.
"He's got the right coaches with him to really succeed," Miocic said. "He's a tough dude, and he'll be fine."
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC heavyweight legend believes Alex Pereira can win third division title
