Alan Jouban Claims Alex Pereira as Top Pound-for-Pound Fighter

Alex Pereira might have just locked in the Fighter of the Year title for 2024 after his third title defense in six months at UFC 307. But, has he also claimed the top spot as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter?

UFC analyst Alan Jouban certainly thinks so. On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, he highlighted Pereira’s stunning fourth-round knockout against Rountree. With three knockouts in three title fights this year, Pereira stands undefeated at light heavyweight and holds two division titles within only seven UFC bouts.

“Alex Pereira — I think he should be No. 1 pound-for-pound in the world right now,” Jouban said. “Because of his activity and performances. He’s carrying the UFC single-handedly right now. Alex Pereira deserves I think to be up there at No. 1.”

Currently, UFC lightweight champ Islam Makhachev is ranked as the top pound-for-pound fighter by both the UFC and MMA Fighting Global Rankings, with Pereira trailing behind at No. 2.

Makhachev boasts only a single career loss and a staggering 14-fight win streak, including wins over three former champs. Yet, Jouban argues there are gaps in his recent achievements that don’t quite measure up to Pereira’s current form.

“Islam, yes I think he beat the more established names that you mentioned when you talk about [Alexander] Volkanovski and Dustin Poirier,” Jouban said. “But when you look at the two names right there, Volkanovski as we just said it’s obvious, but he’s a [featherweight] coming up in weight. So he was one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, but he was a guy that was undersized fighting up in weight.”

Jouban pointed out that while Poirier is a notable name, he was arguably an easier matchup for Makhachev. “They hand-picked Dustin Poirier,” Jouban mentioned, noting Poirier’s struggles with takedown defense and title fight losses by choke.

Jouban also challenges Dana White’s assertion that Jon Jones remains the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter despite not fighting since March 2023—his first bout in over three years.

Though Jones is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters ever, Jouban believes his inactivity compared to someone like Pereira impacts his standing on the pound-for-pound list.

“The argument that Dana White keeps talking about is Jon Jones is still No. 1 — we know he’s the GOAT, but he hasn’t done enough recently,” Jouban said. “So if we’re talking about recent success… three knockouts in 175 days against top tier competition and carried events.”

Pereira continues to defend his belt and finish fights on major cards, showcasing significant progress lately. “It’s a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately sport,” Jouban added.

If doubts linger over Pereira’s place among the pound-for-pound elite, his next fight should clear things up.

With Magomed Ankalaev set to face Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 308, a win could position him as Pereira’s next challenger.

Ankalaev was seen as deserving before UFC 307; however, if Pereira dispatches him like Rountree, Jamahal Hill, and Jiri Prochazka, keeping him from the top spot will be difficult.

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