Overview
- Michael Bisping criticized recently posted gym clips that show Pereira sparring with Tallison Teixeira and Robelis Despaigne and said the footage “looks a little bit concerning” for Pereira’s jump to heavyweight.
- The sparring clips include moments where Teixeira lands jabs and a right hand on Pereira, which pundits say could indicate timing or speed loss after Pereira adds roughly 30 pounds for the move up.
- The bout remains scheduled for the June 14 UFC White House event and is for an interim heavyweight title that would set the winner up to face undisputed champion Tom Aspinall once he recovers from eye surgery.
- Analysts caution that gym footage can be misleading because rounds vary, but many note that Ciryl Gane’s long reach, footwork and natural heavyweight speed create a stylistic test that could expose any loss of quickness.
- Pereira still enters the move with a powerful recent resume, including a KO of Magomed Ankalaev to regain the light heavyweight belt, so one clean shot in the fight could settle questions about his heavyweight readiness.