Former UFC middleweight champion Alex Pereira was in awe just like every other fight fan in the world after seeing Edson Barboza deliver a vicious knee to knock out Billy Quarantillo in the first round at UFC Kansas City.
What a KO by Edson Barboza.
Is there any fighter with a better top 3 KO resume than him? pic.twitter.com/8xvEkWfA2Y
— Futryx Fighting đ„ (@FutryxFighting) April 16, 2023
Poatan took to Twitter and admitted that he is a fan of Edson Barboza and seeing his performance made him praise the featherweight fighter.
Nice Knock out !! Definitely a fan of @EdsonBarbozaJR đ§đ·!! #UFCKansasCity
— Alex "Poatan" Pereira (@AlexPereiraUFC) April 16, 2023
Even before the UFC Kansas City event, Poatan had picked Edson Barboza to defeat Billy Quarantillo via decision. However, Edson Barboza went one step ahead and finished the fight.
The Brazilian middleweight is himself a knockout artist and has deadly power in his left hook with which he has put away many opponents. However, It was quite surprising seeing the stone-cold Alex Pereira giving plaudits to another fighter.
But it is to be noted that when it comes to his own countrymen he offers his entire support. Be it, Glover Teixeira or Anderson Silva, Pereira has backed his Brazilian counterparts and helped them train for his fights. With that being said, there is a small possibility that we could see Edson and Alex train together and help each other get better.
What’s next for Alex Pereira after his loss at UFC 287?
Soon after losing to Israel Adesanya by knockout at UFC 287, Alex Pereira announced on his YouTube channel that he is moving up to light heavyweight. Following his announcement, many fighters from the light heavyweight division have called Poatan out.
Current 205-pound champion Jamahal Hill was amongst the first to welcome Pereira on his social media. However, that might not be the fight that UFC would offer Alex Pereira immediately. Because the Brazilian fighter has to compulsorily take a break of four months due to suffering a vicious knockout.
In this time frame, the UFC would look to book a title fight between Jamahal Hill and Jiri Prochazka. Meanwhile, the promotion could try to set Alex Pereira up for a matchup against either Ankalaev or Jan Blachowicz as both fighters are in the top five of the 205-pound division. A dominant win over either fighter will help him get a title shot.
Regardless of who he fights, it would be fascinating to see Poatan get inside the ring as soon as possible. Do let us know in the comments section who you think should Alex Pereira fight next.
