Joe Rogan points out big ‘issue’ Alex Pereira will face in UFC heavyweight debut

Longtime UFC commentator Joe Rogan believes one of Alex Pereira’s greatest strengths could be hindered in his move to heavyweight.

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira will look to make history when he faces Ciryl Gane for the interim UFC heavyweight title at UFC Freedom 250 next month. This will mark Pereira’s first heavyweight appearance in his combat sports career, and if he’s victorious, he’d become the first fighter in UFC history to win belts in three divisions.

In preparation for his heavyweight debut, Pereira has put on a lot of weight to challenge Gane and the rest of the division’s top contenders. Despite the massive bulking, Pereira has assured his followers that his trademark striking speed and precision won’t be impacted by the change in size.

But longtime UFC commentator Joe Rogan thinks there’s some room for concern ahead of Pereira’s first heavyweight fight.

Joe Rogan: Alex Pereira’s speed could be heavily impacted by heavyweight move

In a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan weighed in on Pereira’s massive weight gain and a potential attribute loss he might experience against Gane.

“He’s 250 (pounds) now, which is crazy. That’s almost 70 pounds different from his UFC debut. (He won’t have to cut weight) but he also put on muscle, and there’s an issue with that,” Rogan said of Pereira.

“The difference in MMA is with grappling. The difference is with weight. If you get a big, heavy guy and he gets on top of you, all your speed is gone within the first three or four minutes.” (h/t Bloody Elbow)

Despite his inexperience in grappling, Pereira has showcased solid takedown defense over his recent fights, most notably against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313. Luckily, Gane likely won’t test Pereira’s grappling as the two elite kickboxers duel for the interim heavyweight title.

What is your prediction for Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane? Let us know in the comments!