TLDR
- Dricus du Plessis says Alex Pereira is the greatest combat athlete to ever live
- Du Plessis separates UFC GOAT from combat sports GOAT in his assessment
- The champion names Jon Jones as the best UFC fighter of all time
- Du Plessis cites Pereira’s success across multiple combat sports disciplines
- Pereira has won championships in kickboxing and two UFC weight divisions
Sources: MyMMANews | MMAWeekly.com | Yardbarker
UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis has declared Alex Pereira the greatest combat athlete in history. The South African fighter made the claim while distinguishing between the best UFC fighter and the best overall combat sports competitor.
Du Plessis named Jon Jones as the UFC’s greatest fighter of all time. However, he placed Pereira above Jones when considering achievements across all combat sports.
Pereira’s Multi-Sport Success
Alex Pereira has achieved championship success in multiple combat sports disciplines. The Brazilian fighter started his career in kickboxing, where he became a two-division GLORY champion.
Pereira then transitioned to mixed martial arts and won the UFC middleweight championship in 2022. He later moved up to light heavyweight and captured that title as well, becoming a two-division UFC champion.
Dricus Du Plessis picks Alex Pereira to beat Magomed Ankalaev at #UFC320
"I know Ankalaev said he's gonna strike with Alex. I don't think that's a good idea. I don't really see this fight going the distance this time. I'm putting my money on Pereira to reclaim the title."
(via… pic.twitter.com/JsIiSzKdY2
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) October 1, 2025
The 37-year-old has defended the light heavyweight belt multiple times since winning it. His victories have come against top contenders in one of the UFC’s most competitive divisions.
Du Plessis acknowledged Pereira’s unique path through combat sports. Few fighters have achieved elite status in both kickboxing and MMA at the championship level.
The GOAT Debate Continues
The discussion about the greatest fighter in combat sports history remains a popular topic among fans and athletes. Different criteria can lead to different conclusions about who deserves the title.
Jon Jones has held UFC titles in the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions. His record includes victories over numerous Hall of Fame fighters and former champions.
Jones has faced criticism for issues outside the octagon, but his fighting resume remains among the best in UFC history. He has never been defeated by knockout or submission in his career.
Du Plessis currently holds the UFC middleweight championship. He won the title in 2024 and has defended it against top challengers in his division.
The South African fighter’s comments highlight the different ways to evaluate greatness in combat sports. Some focus on success within a single organization, while others consider accomplishments across multiple disciplines.
Pereira’s kickboxing career included victories over top fighters in that sport. He faced elite strikers and proved himself at the highest levels of competition before entering MMA.
His ability to translate that success to a different sport sets him apart from many combat athletes. Most fighters specialize in one discipline rather than achieving championship status in multiple sports.
Du Plessis and Pereira both compete in the UFC but in different weight classes. The middleweight champion’s praise for the light heavyweight titleholder reflects respect between fighters at the sport’s highest level.
Pereira is scheduled to defend his light heavyweight championship in the coming months. He continues to face top contenders as he builds his legacy in the sport.
