Fighter of the Year

Although 2024 has not yet concluded, Alex Pereira has put forward a remarkable run in 2024, and is most likely to be named fighter of the year.   Fighting three times in a calendar year is a remarkable level of activity.  Winning all three fights is even more impressive.  Between April and October of this year, Pereira managed to defend his belt three times.  In addition, he scored finishes in all three of those fights.  Despite his relatively recent arrival into the promotion, Pereira’s accomplishments have already solidified his legacy.

Image – MMA Mania

Title Defenses

Pereira first faced a dangerous challenger in Jamahal Hill at UFC 300.  Although many fans favored Pereira heading into this matchup, Hill had proven his knockout power in the past. Despite all of Hill’s pre-fight confidence, however, Alex finished him in the first round.  

Next, on very short notice, Alex took a rematch with former champion Jiri Prochazka.  Jiri had hurt Alex multiple times in their first fight, and fans wondered if Pereira had the requisite training to take this rematch.  Pereira, however, delivered a nearly flawless performance.  He defended Jiri’s takedown, avoided major damage on the feet, and dropped him in the first round.  Then, mere moments into the second round, Pereira landed a flush headkick to finish the fight.

Remaining active, Pereira took on a third fight against Khalil Rountree Jr.  Although not ranked in the top 5, Rountree was a lethal striker who had come off a violent finish against Anthony Smith.  In the opening rounds, Khalil’s speed seemed to trouble Alex, even stunning him momentarily.  Pereira, however, remained defensively responsible and took advantage of Rountree’s fatigue at the end of the third round.  From there, Pereira dominated the fourth round, eventually finishing Khalil with vicious body shots.  

Activity Level

Critics will point out that all three of these opponents are strikers, and thus were favorable matchups for Pereira.  This analysis is not without merit.  Questions remain about Pereira’s chances in a fight against more skilled grapplers, such as Magomed Ankalaev.  But, even with those questions, Pereira’s year ought to be commemorated.  Maintaining Pereira’s level of activity takes a large toll on the body.  Many would be hard pressed to compete three times in one year, let alone win all three fights. 

Image – Sporting News

Furthermore, as the champion, one has an even stronger incentive to fight less frequently.  Many will take long breaks to ensure that they are as healthy as possible when defending their belt.  We have likewise seen champions such as Israel Adesanya struggle to perform optimally as a result of a busy schedule.  Strikers or not, all three of Pereira’s opponents had the power and skills needed to catch and finish him.  Pereira’s ability to come out on top each and every time is thus an accomplishment that few in history can match.