Alex Perez (25-8) doesn’t get too many opportunities in the spotlight. Some say it’s his soft hands. Some say it’s because the flyweight isn’t ranked high enough. He hears a lot of the stuff being said, which he used as motivation on Saturday.
The result? A second-round knockout of Matheus Nicolau (19-5-1), which proved the 32-year-old still has some potential to make noise. The eighth-ranked flyweight displayed his technical strikes on Saturday, showcasing why he deserves a title shot against Alexandre Pantoja.
So how did he handle the Brazilian fighter? What moves and tactics did he use to neutralize his opponent? What makes him stand out from the competition? Here’s a look at Alex Perez and how he handled the fight.
Alex Perez Disables the Right Straight Punch
Perez did a great job from a technical standpoint, making simple adjustments to knock out Nicolau. From disabling Nicolau’s offense to leaving him to just counter, the California native used simple mechanics to neutralize his opponent.
Often, Perez would throw a feint toward Nicolau, keeping him on guard at all times. How? He went after the right hand throughout the fight, leaving the Brazilian to have his power hand disabled. It’s a display of intelligence from the 32-year-old, showing why he deserves a title shot.
The most celebrated UFC fighters are those who display brute strength or significant strikes, wowing the crowd with sheer athleticism. However, Perez is setting himself apart from the competition, showing his intelligence and cerebral mind games.
What About Alexandre Pantoja?
Speaking of a title shot, Alexandre Pantoja (27-5) has dominated the flyweight division. He’s taken down both the #1 and #2 contenders (Brandon Royval and Brandon Moreno), making him a dominant figure in the division.
For Pantoja, Alex Perez must also find ways to cut off the champion’s offense. The UFC Flyweight Champion is much more versatile, attacking his opponents in many ways. If he wants to strike, he’ll strike. If he wants a takedown, he’ll grapple with his opponent.
For Perez, he should start with a right hand like he did with Nicolau. That way, he can limit the champion offensively. Nicolau was a great fighter, bringing a well-rounded offense with him. If the California native can take down the champ using the same tactics, he’ll become a UFC force.
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