Former UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev delivered a brief and blunt assessment of Alex Pereira’s standing in the hierarchy of the UFC’s best fighters.
Earlier, he compiled his personal top five, including himself, Alexander Pantoja, Tom Aspinall, Alexandre Volkanovski, and Ildemar Alcántara. Despite Pereira’s status as a two-division champion, he was not included.
Islam Makhachev at the press conference
He's close, but we don't have space for him in [top] 5.
The 38-year-old Pereira last competed against Magomed Ankalaev on October 5 in the main event of UFC 320 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pereira won the bout via first-round technical knockout and reclaimed the UFC light heavyweight title. His professional record stands at 13 wins and 3 losses.
