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Can Alex Pereira Disregard Friendship and Move Down to Take On Training Partner and UFC Champ Sean Strickland?

Published 11/05/2023, 12:57 PM EST

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UFC 295 has taken an unexpected turn as Alex Pereira is set to headline the event against Jiri Prochazka. Ever since this fight was announced, fans have been at the edge of their seats to witness this showdown. Pereira and Prochazka are considered two of the deadliest strikers in the UFC, and their clash is expected to be a memorable one.

The Czech fighter looks to win the title he never lost. On the other hand, Pereira is aiming to establish dominance in the UFC’s light heavyweight division after conquering the middleweight category. This fight has raised an intriguing question among fans: Will Alex Pereira attempt to achieve double champ status in the UFC?

Will Alex Pereira go down to the middleweight division again?

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The double champ status is one of the most prestigious achievements in the UFC. Only a handful of fighters have been able to achieve it. Moreover, conquering two weight divisions simultaneously isn’t what every fighter can do! But ‘Poatan’ is different. The skilled striker was a double champ back in his kickboxing days.

Also, the former champion has substantial experience in the middleweight division, having defeated Israel Adesanya, Sean Strickland, and many others. However, it is highly unlikely that Alex Pereira will go down to the 185 lbs division. Strickland sits as the UFC middleweight champ, and he is Pereira’s known friend.

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The two did face each other in the UFC Octagon in 2022. However, after a few training sessions, it seems like there is nothing but friendship between both fighters. Also, Pereira recently made it clear that he won’t move down the weight category to fight Strickland.

 

“It is not in my plans,” ‘Poatan’ said. “My plan was if Israel Adesanya was still the champ down there, maybe win the light heavyweight belt and make a fight with him. But now, no. Sean is my friend,” said the Brazilian

Alex Pereira vs. Sean Strickland at UFC 276

UFC 276 was an exciting PPV for the UFC middleweight division. In the main event, champion Israel Adesanya defended his belt against Jared Cannonier. Moreover, in the main card, two skilled middleweights fought for the next title shot. Sean Strickland and Alex Pereira walked into the UFC Octagon, ready to deliver a striking spectacle. In the first minute, both fighters looked quick on their feet. The exchanges were equal on both sides, but not for long!

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In the second minute of the first round, Pereira landed his signature left hook on Strickland. As expected, the American fighter lost his balance as he could not absorb the power. Quickly, ‘Poatan’ fired another powerful punch that ended the fight via TKO.

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Now, it seems like the fans will never see a rematch between Pereira and Strickland. But if another fighter defeats ‘Tarzan’ and replaces him as the title holder, Alex Pereira might change his plans and return to middleweight!

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Written by:

Sushant Sharma

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I am a 24-year-old MMA enthusiast and a UFC Writer at EssentiallySports. My passion for mixed martial arts has been a significant part of my life for over five years. Having previously trained in boxing, I developed a deep appreciation for combat sports.
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Edited by:

Abhishek Kumar Das