Striking has always been a pillar of the fight game, but in MMA, “boxing” can mean very different things depending on the fighter. Some bring footwork and volume, others rely on counters and timing. A few—like former interim champ Dustin Poirier—excel through sharp combinations and pressure. But, ever so often, a name surfaces that resets the conversation. That’s where Alex Pereira lands.
Since making his UFC debut nearly five years ago, Pereira has become one of the most efficient strikers in the promotion’s modern era. The former Glory Kickboxing world champion has earned stoppage wins over Israel Adesanya and Jan Błachowicz, and became the Light Heavyweight belt after defeating Jiří Procházka in November. Yet, as impressive as his power has been, another quality of him has now placed him in rarefied air—his boxing IQ.
In a recent interview on Coach and the Casual, former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Glover Teixeira—who now trains Pereira—delivered one of the strongest endorsements yet. “I believe he’s the best boxer in the UFC,” said Teixeira. “Because of his eyes. Because of the way he moves. He’s like Mayweather. Like Pacquiao.” It’s the kind of statement that doesn’t come lightly. Teixeira spent more than a decade at the top level of MMA, and since retiring in 2023, he’s been one of the most vocal and tactical minds in the corner. His close relationship with Pereira makes the comparison even more notable—not because it’s expected, but because it shifts the discussion from knockout power to perception and precision.
Glover Teixeira says Alex Pereira is the best boxer in the UFC, compares him to Floyd Mayweather and says Ilia Topuria is maybe #2
“Topuria is a great boxer, he’s maybe like top 2. But you see Alex, the movement he makes is like Mayweather or Pacquiao.”
via @coachandcasual pic.twitter.com/5kHO7Lvcqc
— ACD MMA (@acdmma_) April 5, 2025
Floyd Mayweather built his name on timing, patience, and defensive mastery. Manny Pacquiao, by contrast, overwhelmed opponents with angles, footwork, and activity. Pereira, Teixeira implies, blends those elements—without ever having boxed professionally. The Brazilian’s left hook remains one of the most dangerous weapons in the UFC. But it’s his ability to set traps, draw reactions, and finish exchanges on his terms is what separates him from the rest of the flock. In the Jiří Procházka fight, Pereira’s low-volume approach forced his opponent to chase. One mistake later, the fight was over.
Teixeira’s comment about “his eyes” wasn’t metaphorical. It pointed directly to how Pereira reads movement, adjusts tempo, and counters—especially under pressure.
The weight behind the comparison
In combat sports, comparisons to Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao are usually reserved for athletes who dominate with either supreme technical mastery or relentless output. Glover Teixeira’s recent remarks about Alex Pereira put him in that rare air. But stylistically, the foundation of that comparison remains up for scrutiny.
Mayweather was known for his control of distance, defensive mastery, and adaptability across 12 rounds against a variety of styles. And that was evident from his 15 World Championship triumphs between 1996 and 2017. Pacquiao, on the other hand, overwhelmed opponents with speed, volume, and unconventional angles. Pereira, while known for his composure and knockout power, has yet to face consistent stylistic adversity in MMA. His recent wins have come against aggressive strikers who fought at close range—an environment where Pereira’s precision and counters have historically thrived.
Pereira’s striking output also sits significantly lower than both boxing icons. According to UFC stats, Pereira averages fewer than four significant strikes landed per minute. In contrast, Mayweather’s connect rate over his boxing career often exceeded 40%, but with a much higher defensive engagement, while Pacquiao maintained a much faster offensive pace. Pereira’s style is rooted in patience, not volume, and his background in kickboxing, not boxing, continues to shape his rhythm and shot selection. The comparison has generated conversation, but for now, a striking question remains: Was it rooted more in praise than in measurable overlap?
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