Imho, that moment when he connected well on Pereira, was not because it was a strategy or that special secret that he was talking about on press conference. Its because Pereira was way to relaxed, unfocused, sleepy. If we compare Pereira year or more ago and now, we see him becoming more media person. If previously he was more shy (or a stone face), more hungry, maybe felt uncomfortable in front of cameras. Then look at him now, he is filming some funny shorts video, living expensive life, more media. And as the world is balanced, then if we see him more in media, then the gym sees him less. He used to be hungry, ready to rip off Izzy head. Now he has got money, fame, and allow himself to give 70-90% of himself in a training and fight. Who he would face next? Ankalaev? Not really a thread, so he can enjoy his life for 4-6 months more, do lazy trading, get a camp where he would only do 100% of he is able, beat Ankalaev, relax and think about retirement, as he is rather old for a being a prime.
Yup, I had the same thought even before the fight. It's like seeing a wild animal slowly getting domesticated, or like watching the Rocky III when he got civilised
I don't think getting comfortable with media and being active in promoting himself is the key problem. It's more of having his priorities right and keeping that edge and hunger up.
But going into the Heavyweight division might be farfetched for now I think he can manage to do so or maybe getting 3 belts in the UFC might be possible for him.
He definitely has the size for the heavyweight, and moving up the weight division is an old trick te extend fighters career a little bit, as generally the higher the weight class is, the slower the fighters are, and it's easier to maintain power than speed as one gets older.
I'd be very surprised if Pereira retires without ever moving to heavyweight.
