Kamaru Usman questions Alex Pereira’s P4P ranking because all he does is ‘knock everybody out’

Alex Pereira has become one of the most feared strikers in all of mixed martial arts (MMA), but is the reigning UFC light heavyweight champion truly a pound-for-pound best?

It’s difficult to say. While Pereira has captured spectacular wins over the likes of Israel Adesanya, Jiri Prochazka, and Jamahal Hill, he has done it by utilizing his world-class striking skills. Pereira came into UFC as one of the most skilled kickboxers of his era so he’s not really blazing new trails inside of the Octagon.

That said, does it really matter if Pereira is winning fights by using his biggest strengths? Does he need to show more wrinkles to his game to really standout among the rest of his peers?

According to former UFC welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman, Pereira may need to show more than just knockout ability on the feet to claim a P4P ranking. Remember, Usman is one of the best welterweight fighters of all-time and a truly well-rounded athlete. He knows what it takes in this sport to stand out and forge everlasting greatness.

“When we talk pound-for-pound, let’s not forget, pound-for-pound is a hypothetical,” said Usman during a recent episode of his “Pound 4 Pound” podcast. “That means, do you possess the highest level of striking, of wrestling, of kickboxing, of grappling, of jiu-jitsu? That’s what that means. Which means if you were put in flyweight or if you were put in welterweight or if you were put in heavyweight, your style would transfer all throughout those divisions, and you will be able to be victorious and still be No. 1.

“That’s all that means. Yes, you can stand and knock everybody out – guys who aren’t moving, guys who aren’t shooting on you, guys who aren’t testing your grappling. But that doesn’t mean you are No. 1 pound-for-pound. So, don’t be upset about that. Don’t be butt hurt about it. If anything, show me you’re pound-for-pound. Go out there, take the next guy down, get on top, full mount, switch up, armbar on top. That lets me know, ‘Oh, sh*t. OK.’”

Pereira is undoubtedly one of the best knockout finishers in the sport today, but does he need to showcase more grappling, wrestling, and expanded technique in the cage to be considered a true P4P fighter?

Let’s discuss!