Here’s a bold claim that’s sure to spark debate: Corey Anderson, the reigning PFL light-heavyweight champion, believes he could dethrone UFC’s Alex Pereira and cement his legacy as one of the greatest fighters of all time. But here’s where it gets controversial—Anderson hasn’t competed in the UFC for over five years, yet he’s convinced his skills would outmatch Pereira in a cross-promotional showdown. Could he really bridge the gap between promotions and claim the title of GOAT? Let’s dive in.
Anderson’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. After leaving the UFC, he didn’t just fade into obscurity—he went on to conquer Bellator and then unified his dominance by securing the PFL belt last Friday. Meanwhile, just one night later, Alex Pereira reclaimed his UFC throne from Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320, reigniting the ‘GOAT’ conversation. And this is the part most people miss—Anderson isn’t just talking trash; he’s strategically breaking down why his grappling prowess would be Pereira’s undoing.
In an exclusive interview with Bloody Elbow, Anderson was refreshingly honest about his strengths and past mistakes. ‘I’m not here to say I can outstrike Alex Pereira, a Glory kickboxing champion,’ he admitted. ‘That’s just foolish. I tried that approach with Jan Blachowicz, and it backfired.’ Instead, Anderson doubled down on what he does best: wrestling. He explained how his ability to dictate the pace and control the cage could neutralize Pereira’s striking advantage, much like he did against Glover Teixeira, who now coaches Pereira.
Here’s the kicker—Anderson isn’t just relying on past victories to fuel his confidence. He’s actively training with some of the best fighters across the globe, including former champions like Jamahal Hill. ‘People think I’m not working with top-tier talent because I’m in PFL or Bellator,’ he said. ‘But Jamahal Hill stopped talking after we sparred. I’ll let you draw your own conclusions.’ This isn’t empty bravado—it’s a calculated assertion backed by years of experience and relentless pursuit of excellence.
So, what’s next for Anderson? He’s got his eyes on the ultimate prize: holding belts in PFL, Bellator, and UFC simultaneously. ‘Let me get all three,’ he declared, ‘and then I can walk off into the sunset.’ But the question remains: Can he truly beat Alex Pereira? And if he does, does that make him the undisputed GOAT? That’s the million-dollar question—what do you think? Let’s hear your take in the comments. Is Anderson’s claim legitimate, or is he biting off more than he can chew? The debate is on!
