UFC 276 held significant importance for the Middleweight division. Israel Adesanya and Jared Cannonier competed for the 185-pound title, a bout that “Stylebender” won with relative ease. Just two fights earlier on the main card, Alex Pereira swiftly knocked out Sean Strickland in the first round, triggering a series of significant consequences.
As a result of his victory, “Poatan” secured a title shot, leading to his memorable MMA clashes against Adesanya.
Why are Sean Strickland and Alex Pereira training together?
On the other hand, Strickland found himself outside of the immediate title picture and has been working his way back up for another shot at the title. It was undeniably a pivotal moment in the careers of both fighters.
Since their encounter, both Pereira and Sean have shown respect towards each other. Strickland expressed his intention to pursue a rematch, but now that Alex is transitioning to the Light Heavyweight division, that immediate concern no longer exists.
Sean Strickland talks about sparring Alex Pereira:
“The man touches you and you just fucking die” pic.twitter.com/2vLMblvoIm— MMA Mania (@mmamania) June 14, 2023
This may be one reason why the two fighters have ended up training together. In an recent video, Sean was seen talking about his experience inside Pereira’s camp. He said, “The man touches you and you just fucking die”.
It’s worth mentioning that both Pereira and Strickland are scheduled to compete next month. Sean will be participating in a middleweight fight on July 1.
When is Alex Pereira’s next fight?
In just seven bouts into his MMA career, Alex accomplished his objective of becoming a UFC champion by defeating former long-standing champion Israel Adesanya in November 2022 during the main event of UFC 281.
Stylebender and Poatan exchange words after their latest battle 🤝
There is no sport like Mixed Martial Arts. #UFC287 pic.twitter.com/qo57Azkfbs
— UFC (@ufc) April 9, 2023
This championship victory propelled Pereira’s prominence in online sports betting, evident through UFC odds. However, in their title rematch at UFC 287’s main event, he was knocked out in the second round by Adesanya.
Despite the loss to “The Last Stylebender,” this former kickboxing superstar and knockout artist has made a significant impact in the world of MMA. The question remains: When will Pereira step into the octagon again, and who will be his next opponent?
This #UFC291 card is absolutely LOADED 🤯
[ Register for 🎟 https://t.co/YzVPhXLDjF | @StateofSport | @VivintArena ] pic.twitter.com/titUxkS5Zu
— UFC (@ufc) May 17, 2023
Alex will be making his light heavyweight debut against Jan Blachowicz on July 29. The former UFC Light Heavyweight champion, Blachowicz, will be Pereira’s next opponent as he enters the 205-pound division. Alex and Blachowicz are set to feature as the co-main event in the UFC 291 card, taking place in Salt Lake City.
What are your thoughts regarding this? Let us know in the comment section below.
