Miocic Expects Pereira to Win a Third Belt at Heavyweight

Stipe Miocic is backing Alex Pereira ahead of his December fight. The former UFC heavyweight champion believes Pereira can win a third belt at heavyweight. He made the prediction in a recent interview with Athlon Sports, reported via Casino.org.

"I think he can win a third belt," Miocic said of Pereira's heavyweight future.

"I won a belt at 38. I think he'll be fine. He's tough. That (UFC Freedom 250) was his first time fighting in the big boy class, and I think he's shown he's ready to do it. He knows what to expect. It's tough, but he comes ready every time."

Miocic did not stop there. "I think he's already at that level," he continued. "He's already won two belts in two weight classes, so I mean, he's done more than I have. I've only won one weight class."

Miocic predicted that Pereira will begin to turn things around at UFC 335. He also pointed to the experience Pereira gained in the Gane fight: Pereira now knows what to expect, in Miocic's words.

Pereira's next fight at UFC 335

Pereira is a former two-division UFC titleholder. He lost by TKO to Ciryl Gane at UFC Freedom 250, in his first fight at heavyweight. After that loss, many suspected he might go back to light heavyweight, where he had been more successful.

He will try for his first heavyweight win in December at UFC 335. His opponent is former interim title challenger Sergei Pavlovich, in the co-main event. Pereira's recent light heavyweight wins came against Magomed Ankalaev and Khalil Rountree Jr.

Miocic himself retired after a TKO loss to then-heavyweight champion Jon Jones at UFC 309. He could potentially enter the UFC Hall of Fame in 2027, and an announcement could be made at the upcoming UFC Cleveland card.

Source: BJPENN.COM