Robert Whittaker, former UFC middleweight champion, is cautioning Alex Pereira against moving down to middleweight to challenge current middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis. Pereira, the light heavyweight champion, has shown interest in dropping back down to 185 pounds, despite his recent knockout loss to Israel Adesanya in the same weight class. Whittaker believes that this decision could be detrimental to Pereira’s career.
Whittaker emphasizes the challenges of moving back down to a lower weight class after competing in a higher one. He notes that staying in the light heavyweight division for a prolonged period would make it difficult for Pereira to cut weight and perform effectively at the 185-pound limit. Du Plessis, known for his strength and power, presents a formidable challenge for Pereira in the middleweight division.
According to Whittaker, Pereira may struggle to handle Du Plessis’s power at middleweight. He points out that Du Plessis’s ability to absorb hits and continue moving forward poses a significant threat to Pereira. Whittaker highlights the power displayed by Du Plessis in his victory over Adesanya, a fighter renowned for his durability, suggesting that Pereira could face difficulties in dealing with such formidable opposition.
Pereira is scheduled to defend his light heavyweight title against Khalil Rountree in the main event of UFC 307. This match will mark Pereira’s opportunity to showcase his skills and prove his capabilities within his current weight class. Whittaker’s warning serves as a reminder of the risks involved in considering a move back to middleweight for a potential showdown with Du Plessis.
Robert Whittaker’s advice to Alex Pereira raises important concerns about the potential pitfalls of challenging Dricus Du Plessis at middleweight. Pereira’s decision to drop down to 185 pounds could pose a significant risk to his career, especially given Du Plessis’s strength and power in that weight class. As Pereira prepares for his upcoming title defense, he must carefully weigh the consequences of his actions and consider the advice provided by a seasoned champion like Whittaker.