Bruno Silva and Ottoni ate Alex's shots and stayed in there, yet people act like it's out of the question for Silva in his prime to? Silva was a lot quicker and Alex doesn't have the best chin or defense, Jiri was finding him at range and getting the better of a lot of exchanges too, he just kept trying to clinch and Alex was far superior off the breaks and in close. Jan at nearly 41 was competitive standing with Alex too (and Izzy lmao). I think Anderson has a very good chance to knock Alex out.
The flipside is also True, Anderson was a pure counter striker and when guys didn't give him openings, he would often look a little sloppy or just stay on the outside and taunt. Pereira is bigger and longer and could definitely chop at Andersons legs while forcing Silva to commit first...which he hates doing and isnt his Forte.
Yeah, I really don't know who to pick. Alex is beatable, even standing for sure. But stylistically he poses a ton of issues for Anderson. I don't think Anderson is sneaking in a takedown to win either unless he drops Poatan as previously mentioned. It's a really cool historic fight idea.