Michael Bisping Reveals Why Alex Pereira’s UFC Championship Run Is Unprecedented

When it comes to championship activity in the UFC, Alex Pereira is rewriting the rulebook. Former middleweight champion Michael Bisping recently highlighted just how extraordinary Poatan’s championship schedule has been since joining the promotion.

According to Bisping, what we’re witnessing from the Brazilian two-division champion is nothing short of remarkable.

Pereira’s Relentless Championship Pace Astounds Bisping

“Champs don’t fight usually as regularly as what Pereira did,” Bisping stated bluntly, addressing the Brazilian’s unprecedented activity level as a UFC champion. Since capturing UFC gold, Pereira has maintained a schedule that makes other champions look like part-timers.

I’ve been covering MMA for years, and I can tell you this is rare. Most champions typically fight twice a year if we’re lucky. Pereira? He’s treating championship fights like they’re just another day at the office.

From Middleweight to Light Heavyweight Dominance

What makes Pereira’s run even more impressive is his seamless transition between weight classes. After losing his middleweight title to Israel Adesanya, most fighters would take time off to regroup. Not Pereira. He immediately jumped up to light heavyweight and continued his tear through the UFC.

The numbers don’t lie – since November 2022, Pereira has fought an astounding six times, with five of those being title fights across two weight classes. For context, that’s more championship appearances than many fighters get in their entire UFC careers.

Breaking Down Pereira’s Unprecedented Championship Schedule

What Separates Pereira From Other Champions?

Bisping’s comments highlight a critical truth about championship mindsets. While most titleholders become more selective with their fights, Pereira has gone the opposite direction, actively seeking out the toughest challenges on minimal rest.

This approach isn’t just impressive – it’s revolutionary in an era where champions often prioritize legacy-building through careful opponent selection and extended training camps.

“He’s doing something we haven’t seen in the modern UFC,” I found myself telling a colleague last week. “He’s bringing back that old-school mentality of fighting anyone, anytime, anywhere.”

The Business Impact of Pereira’s Activity

From a business perspective, Pereira’s activity level has been a gift to the UFC. While other champions might sit out for extended periods due to injuries or contract negotiations, Poatan has become Dana White’s most reliable championship draw.

The UFC president has repeatedly praised Pereira for his willingness to step up, even on short notice, creating momentum that has transformed him from kickboxing transplant to one of the organization’s biggest stars in record time.

Is Pereira Setting a New Standard for Champions?

The question now becomes whether Pereira’s approach will influence other champions. Will we see more titleholders defending more frequently, or is Pereira simply an outlier whose pace cannot be matched?

Bisping seems to believe the latter – that what we’re witnessing is the exception rather than a new rule. The physical and mental toll of championship fights typically forces longer breaks between appearances, making Pereira’s schedule all the more remarkable.

What’s Next for the UFC’s Most Active Champion?

With his light heavyweight title firmly secured after his UFC 303 victory over Procházka, speculation now turns to what’s next for Pereira. Will he continue his breakneck pace? There’s already talk of potential heavyweight experiments or special attractions.

Whatever path he chooses, one thing is certain – Pereira has redefined what it means to be an active champion in the modern UFC landscape, earning both Bisping’s respect and the admiration of fans worldwide.

As the Brazilian powerhouse continues making history, I’ll be watching closely to see just how far this unprecedented championship run can go. In a sport where longevity at the top is increasingly rare, Pereira is showing that sometimes the best defense is a relentless offense.

Source: Essentially Sports