The spooky season of October kicked off with a chilling reminder of why Alex Pereira is one of the most terrifying fighters in the UFC today. The light heavyweight champion took on Khalil Rountree Jr. in a highly anticipated match, and for those watching, it felt like they were witnessing a scene straight out of a horror movie. Pereira resembled Michael Myers from the slasher film series "Halloween," not because he needed a mask, but because of the way he relentlessly stalked his opponent with a stone-cold, expressionless face. It was an eerie display of calculated aggression that had fans on the edge of their seats.
Pereira's ability to break down his opponents, much like Myers does to his victims, is nothing short of frightening. The way he systematically wore down Rountree, who many thought posed a significant threat, was both fascinating and terrifying. Most spectators believed Pereira would win, but few expected the methodical approach he took. While Rountree is known for his fearlessness and heavy hands, Pereira kept his composure, never panicking even after getting dropped momentarily by a right hand in the second round.
Instead of rushing to finish the fight, Pereira stayed focused on his game plan. He peppered Rountree with calf kicks, draining his energy and mobility, and applied relentless pressure until the challenger’s gas tank was empty. Even more surprising was that, heading into the fourth round, Pereira was actually down on all three judges' scorecards. But that didn’t faze him. Once Rountree was running on fumes, Pereira finished the fight with a violent series of punches, including body shots that left Rountree crumbling to the canvas. It’s the type of power that melts opponents and sends chills down the spine of anyone watching.
While Pereira's current run may not have the same historical flair as Ronda Rousey's legendary 2014-15 reign, where she defended her title in record time, Pereira's destruction in the light heavyweight division has been equally devastating. His four wins, all by knockout, showcase his frightening ability to finish fights with brutal precision.
What's next for Pereira? Could he make history by moving up to heavyweight and challenge for a title in a third weight class? Or perhaps a move back down to middleweight to face champion Dricus Du Plessis is on the horizon? Pereira has teased both options before, but after his post-fight interview, it seems like he's comfortable staying in the light heavyweight division. And why wouldn't he be? There’s still unfinished business with grappler Magomed Ankalaev, a challenge that seems inevitable. Once that chapter closes, fans could see Pereira entertaining a move to other weight classes. Either way, the future is exciting for the Brazilian powerhouse.
Switching gears to the women's division, Kayla Harrison is making waves, and it's safe to say that the UFC women's bantamweight division needs her now more than ever. After a challenging fight on Saturday, Harrison pulled off a hard-earned victory, solidifying her place as a key figure in the division. Honestly, without Harrison, the women's bantamweight division would be in dire straits. Respectfully, while fighters like Raquel Pennington and Julianna Peña have made their mark, the division has been struggling to maintain relevance, especially after Amanda Nunes’ retirement left a giant, GOAT-shaped void in its wake.
The five-round title fight between Pennington and Peña was competitive, sure, but it lacked the drama and electricity that fans crave. It wasn’t their fault, per se, but the division has been limping along, looking for someone to take the mantle. Harrison, with her strength, grappling expertise, and competitive edge, seems to be the only fighter capable of breathing new life into this struggling weight class.
To put it in perspective, take a look at some of the current rankings. Chelsea Chandler, ranked No. 15, holds a record of 6-3. Yana Santos, who is 1-3 in her last four fights, is ranked inside the Top 10. And Germaine de Randamie, who has only fought once in the last four years (and lost), still holds the No. 13 spot. These stats speak volumes about the current state of the division. Without someone like Harrison stepping up, it’s hard to say what the future holds. Would the UFC abolish the division? Maybe not, but it’s not out of the realm of possibility.
Harrison boldly declared herself the queen of the bantamweight division, and frankly, she’s earned the right to say it. She might not be everyone's favorite, but without her presence, there’s little chance this division survives for another year. It’s a heavy burden, but Harrison seems up to the challenge of reviving the bantamweight division and making it exciting again.
And speaking of legacies, Carla Esparza’s recent farewell fight marked the end of an era. Esparza may not have been the most entertaining fighter to grace the UFC, but her career is undeniably noteworthy. With 19 victories over a 14-year career, Esparza leaves behind a legacy that few can match. Known for her stoic demeanor during walkouts and fights, Esparza wasn’t one for flash or flamboyance. Her fights often went to split decision, leaving judges puzzled over how to score her neutralization of opponents. Yet, despite not being a fan-favorite, Esparza's contributions to women’s MMA cannot be overstated.
She was the original champion of the women's strawweight division before it even existed in the UFC. After a long and difficult path, Esparza became a two-time champion, a feat that not many fighters can claim. Although her title fight rematch with Rose Namajunas in 2022 might be remembered as one of the worst MMA fights ever, it still marked one of the biggest wins of her career. Fans and the UFC paid their respects with a heartfelt video tribute during her final appearance in Salt Lake City.
While Esparza may not have been the most thrilling champion to watch, she undeniably earned the sport’s respect. Her ability to stay true to herself and persevere through a long, arduous career is something that younger fighters can look up to. Don’t be surprised if you see Esparza's name mentioned in talks about the UFC Hall of Fame in the near future.
From Pereira's haunting power in the light heavyweight division, to Harrison breathing life into the bantamweight scene, and Esparza's quiet but impactful farewell, the UFC continues to produce storylines that captivate fans worldwide. The future holds a lot of exciting possibilities for these fighters, and the seasons ahead promise more chills, thrills, and unforgettable moments in the octagon.
Login