Middleweight champion Israel Adesanya approves of Alex Pereira’s performance at UFC 291.

Pereira (8-2 MMA, 5-1 UFC) was successful in his light heavyweight debut when he edged out former champion Jan Blachowicz (29-10-1 MMA, 12-7-1 UFC) in this past Saturday’s co-headliner in Salt Lake City.

Adesanya gave a live reaction to Pereira’s performance while watching the fight, and praised him for his improved takedown defense.

“Beautiful try, but the boy got long legs man,” Adesanya said on his YouTube channel. “I’m telling you, he doesn’t want any space because once you give him space, he going to touch you. Beautiful defense. Good way to not balance himself – corrected it. Good lad.”

Pereira was taken down and controlled in Round 1, but was able to fend off Blachowicz’s dangerous rear-naked choke attempt. He rallied in Round 2 to win the striking exchanges against a tired Blachowicz, and managed to do enough to squeak out the win in a close third round.

All in all, Adesanya agreed with the result, and thought his former foe did well in his new division. He expects Pereira to earn the next crack at the vacant light heavyweight belt.

“Alex won – looked good at light heavyweight. Also, elevation – we have to consider that as well,” Adesanya said. “Crafty from Jan. He did the right thing to try and sneak the victory, but wasn’t enough. Alex now vs. Jiri (Prochazka) probably for the belt, I’m going to assume.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 291.