Andrew Tate vs MMA's Best Strikers: A Comparative Breakdown
- Austin Jones
- Jun 29
- 4 min read

Andrew Tate vs MMA's Best Strikers: A Comparative Breakdown
In the world of combat sports, striking is often what separates the elite from the rest. With the rise of Andrew Tate's popularity as a former kickboxer turned internet personality, fans have been left to wonder how he'd fare against some of MMA's best strikers, like Alex Pereira and Francis Ngannou. The question is: how does Tate's striking pedigree stack up against these modern-day knockout artists?
Andrew Tate’s Striking Background
Andrew Tate is no stranger to the combat sports world. With a solid background in kickboxing, including winning multiple world championships, Tate’s striking is rooted in precision, power, and technique. Known for his aggressive and unorthodox style, Tate has carved out a reputation as a fierce competitor inside the kickboxing ring. His background gives him a strong foundation in stand-up striking, particularly in Muay Thai and traditional kickboxing styles. But when the conversation shifts to MMA’s best strikers, it's clear that Tate's skill set would be put to the test against top-tier MMA competition.
Alex Pereira: The Brazilian Knockout Machine
Alex Pereira's striking is as dangerous as it gets in the world of MMA. As a former kickboxing world champion and the man who knocked out Israel Adesanya to capture the UFC Middleweight Championship, Pereira’s credentials in the striking department are undeniable. His ability to generate power and precision in the clinch, as well as his kickboxing techniques, make him a nightmare for anyone who stands with him.
Strengths Against Tate:
Pereira’s punching power and experience against high-level strikers would be a significant challenge for Tate. While both fighters are known for their knockout power, Pereira’s experience in MMA, particularly in dealing with the dynamics of mixed martial arts—such as defending takedowns and adjusting his striking for the cage—would give him an edge. Moreover, Pereira's ability to maintain distance and his leg kicks, which have been a major part of his success, would put Tate in an uncomfortable position, particularly when considering Tate’s more traditional kickboxing stance.
What Tate Would Need to Do:
To stand a chance, Tate would need to close the distance and negate Pereira's reach advantage. This would require constant pressure, staying in close and avoiding Pereira's devastating kicks and elbows. While Tate has knockout power, Pereira’s skillset would likely outmatch his, especially in an MMA setting where the clinch and cage play such a pivotal role.
Francis Ngannou: The Reigning Heavyweight Powerhouse
Francis Ngannou, the former UFC Heavyweight Champion, is one of the hardest punchers in the history of the sport. His knockout power is legendary, and his ability to end fights with one shot has left a trail of top-tier opponents knocked out cold in the octagon. Ngannou’s sheer size, strength, and aggressive striking would be a massive obstacle for Tate, who, despite his kickboxing pedigree, doesn’t have the same kind of raw physical attributes as Ngannou.
Strengths Against Tate:
Ngannou’s power is what would likely be the determining factor in a fight against Tate. While Tate has proven to be tough in kickboxing, Ngannou’s crushing knockout blows could overwhelm him. Ngannou’s striking, while not as refined as someone like Pereira’s, is so powerful that it can end a fight in an instant. Tate would need to avoid Ngannou’s massive punches at all costs, as even a single strike could send him to the canvas.
What Tate Would Need to Do:
Against Ngannou, Tate would need to rely on his speed, technique, and ability to keep the fight at a distance. Ngannou’s striking is most dangerous when he’s in range, and Tate would have to be elusive, staying out of range and countering effectively. Tate’s defensive movement and ability to land clean shots would be key to surviving against Ngannou’s relentless power.
How Tate's Kickboxing Style Matches Up
While Tate’s experience as a kickboxer makes him a formidable opponent in the striking department, MMA’s best strikers have distinct advantages that would be difficult for him to overcome. Fighters like Pereira and Ngannou have adapted their striking styles to suit the demands of MMA, incorporating movement, clinch work, and cage control. Tate, who is more accustomed to the stand-up battles of kickboxing, may struggle in an MMA environment where fighters can attack from different angles and positions.
Striking Adjustments for Tate:For Tate to succeed against the likes of Pereira and Ngannou, he would need to make adjustments to his game. His hands are sharp, but he would need to expand his arsenal to include more wrestling defense, distance management, and perhaps even leg kicks. In addition, Tate would need to be ready for the possibility of being taken down or controlled in the clinch—an area where both Pereira and Ngannou excel.
he Road Ahead for Andrew Tate
While Andrew Tate’s kickboxing experience has undeniably shaped him into a top-tier striker, facing off against MMA’s best strikers, like Alex Pereira and Francis Ngannou, would pose a serious challenge. Tate’s technical striking, while dangerous, would need to be adapted to the dynamics of MMA. Pereira’s movement, power, and clinch work, combined with Ngannou’s raw knockout potential, would be difficult obstacles for Tate to overcome.
However, that doesn’t mean Tate’s chances are zero. His aggression, mental fortitude, and knockout ability could allow him to land that one shot to turn the tide of a fight. But in a battle of pure striking against MMA’s elite, Tate’s background in kickboxing would only take him so far—particularly when he's facing fighters who are also elite in all facets of striking, clinch work, and cage control.
Ultimately, while Tate could hold his own for a few rounds, the sheer diversity and evolution of MMA strikers would likely prove too much for him in the long run.