While some speculate that Alex Pereira`s significant wealth might diminish his fighting motivation, a legendary UFC figure holds a contrasting view.
Pereira is set for a highly anticipated rematch this Saturday in Las Vegas, headlining UFC 320, where he aims to reclaim the light heavyweight championship he lost just under seven months ago.
Pereira is set to challenge Magomed Ankalaev, who unseated him at UFC 313 and is now making his first title defense at UFC 320.
Known as `Poatan,` Pereira enters the bout as an underdog against the reigning champion. A common argument among skeptics for Ankalaev`s victory points to Pereira`s amassed wealth potentially leading to a lack of drive. However, not everyone agrees that financial success necessarily translates to a decline in performance.
Demetrious Johnson Backs a `Refreshed` Alex Pereira for Upset Win at UFC 320
Previously, Zhang Mingyang, ahead of his UFC Shanghai main event, had commented that Pereira might be “too rich” to defeat Ankalaev.
However, UFC flyweight legend Demetrious Johnson offers a different viewpoint, contrasting the Chinese contender`s belief that wealth impedes motivation.
Johnson, known as `Mighty Mouse,` surprisingly identifies Pereira`s financial success as a factor supporting an upset, noting that a recent, much-needed break allowed the Brazilian to fully enjoy his earnings and rejuvenate.
On his YouTube channel, Johnson stated his prediction: “In this rematch, I`m leaning towards Alex Pereira.”
He elaborated, “Having watched recent videos of Alex Pereira, I sense he`s refreshed. My previous impression was that in his prior fight against Ankalaev, he was constantly in back-to-back high-stakes bouts. Such a relentless schedule can exhaust an athlete and dim their competitive fire.”
He continued, “Now, with ample rest, he`s had the chance to savor the rewards of his hard work and wealth. This break has clearly rejuvenated him, and he approaches this fight with renewed perspective.”
“Therefore, I predict Alex Pereira will win.”
Israel Adesanya Agrees with Demetrious Johnson on Alex Pereira`s Motivation
Demetrious Johnson isn`t alone in foreseeing a highly motivated Pereira stepping into the UFC 320 cage.
In his own YouTube video, Israel Adesanya shared his prediction for Ankalaev vs. Pereira, siding with his former adversary. He believes Pereira will be fueled by an intense drive following his earlier loss this year.
Adesanya elaborated, “He`s incredibly motivated. Having lost the light heavyweight title, he now possesses that fervent desire, that `I must reclaim this` mindset. There`s a distinct difference when an athlete is driven by a quest for redemption.”
He continued, “For this particular fight, I`m picking Alex Pereira. However, based on their initial encounter, it`s certainly not going to be an easy fight.”
“While easier said than done, I believe Alex can achieve it. I`m predicting `Poatan` to win by decision in this bout.”
Keywords: Alex Pereira, Demetrious Johnson, Magomed Ankalaev, UFC 320
