'I think Jan Blachowicz is a pretty tough matchup' - UFC light heavyweight veteran doubts Alex Pereira win in heavyweight division

Former UFC middleweight champion Alex Pereira is all set to jump to the heavyweight division and clash against the former champion Jan Blachowicz in the co-main event of UFC 291 on July 29 at the Delta Center in Utah, United States. Pereira lost his middleweight title to Israel Adesanya in April with a brutal knockout by the ‘Last Styleblender’.

Meanwhile, veteran UFC light heavyweight division fighter Anthony Smith believes that it won’t be easy for Pereira to dominate in the heavyweight division. Smith is doubtful of Pereira creating history by becoming the double champ in UFC as Blachowicz has a lot of experience in the division.

“I think he can do well, for sure. He’s going to have a tough time with some of the top guys, just with his skill set. But just in pure striking matches, I think he can do well. I think Jan Blachowicz is a pretty tough matchup if I’m being honest. I think it’s a really tough matchup. Yeah, I do .” Smith was quoted as saying by MMA Fighting.

I think Jamahal Hill beats him too: Smith

However, if somehow, Pereira defeats Blanchowicz, he will get a title shot against the current heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill. Smith further added and said that Jamahal will also beat him if Pereira gets the title shot. Smith later talked about Blachowicz’s ability to defend the kicks and said that Pereira’s kicks won’t affect him a lot.

“I think Jamahal Hill beats him too. “It’s a matchup thing, though. It’s a matchup thing. There are a lot of guys at light heavyweight that he’ll beat and could look really great doing it. Jan Blachowicz is tough. Again, we’re talking about leg kicks here — Jan Blachowicz might be the best kick defender in the entire UFC, and I’ve been saying that for a long time. 

But if you go back and even watch the Adesanya fight, it all starts with the leg kicks. Izzy’s game is very predicated on establishing his range and striking with his leg kicks. Jan did a really good job of defending those and staying competitive in the striking, to get the takedowns later.” he added.