Glover Teixeira supports Alex Pereira‘s potential move to heavyweight, believing his knockout power will be effective in the division, while Pereira prepares for a light heavyweight title defense against Khalil Rountree at UFC 307.
Glover Teixeira is set to be in Alex Pereira’s corner when “Poatan” defends his light heavyweight title against the knockout specialist Khalil Rountree at UFC 307 this Saturday. Teixeira is optimistic about Pereira’s potential move to heavyweight. Intriguingly, Pereira has floated this idea before but recently hinted he might prefer cutting back down to 185 pounds for a bout with champion Dricus du Plessis instead.
Teixeira believes Pereira’s knockout power would seamlessly transition to the heavyweight division. “His knockout power is unbelievable,” Teixeira told MMA Fighting. He added that Pereira’s prowess on the ground complements his natural striking ability. Whether it’s Khalil, Jon Jones, or Stipe Miocic, Teixeira feels confident Poatan can handle them.
Pereira clinched the UFC middleweight title in November 2022, only to lose it in a rematch with Israel Adesanya six months later. Since then, he’s embarked on an impressive 4-0 streak at 205 pounds, boasting three knockouts and two title defenses.
Teixeira mentioned that the team plans to bulk up Pereira for a potential move to heavyweight. “I’ve trained with many heavyweights, and [Pereira] is that strong,” he noted. As a former light heavyweight champ who’s faced Jones himself, Teixeira suggests moving up could be easier than returning to middleweight.
However, Teixeira supports whatever decision Poatan makes next. He mused, “Maybe going up would be easier. That’s just my opinion.” Yet, he acknowledges the need for professional medical advice if Pereira opts for a weight cut. Cutting down would mean shedding muscle gained from wrestling training—a tough task indeed.
Meanwhile, Rountree aims to disrupt Pereira’s plans of holding multiple UFC belts simultaneously. Aware of the challenge, Pereira’s team relocated their camp to high altitude—8,500 feet above sea level—to prepare for Salt Lake City’s conditions. They anticipate Rountree might alter his strategy to evade Pereira’s lethal strikes.
Teixeira remarked on the unpredictable nature of fights: “Even ‘Cro Cop’ [Mirko Filipovic] shot for takedowns.” Despite Rountree’s striking reputation, he might resort to grappling tactics. But Poatan is ready for anything; his threats are primarily on the feet—fast and explosive as ever.