“The Man Touches You, and You Just F***ing Die” – Sean Strickland Reveals the Downsides of Sparring Alex Pereira

Former UFC middleweight champion Alex Pereira did not take long to make a name in the promotion. When he made his debut, he was the guy who had beaten Israel Adesanya twice before in kickboxing, finishing the champion via knockout in one of those fights. Soon, he defeated Adesanya in the UFC to become the champion. However, ‘Poatan’ lost his rematch against ‘Izzy’ and conceded the title.

Now, the 35-year-old is preparing for the next stage in his career by moving up to the light heavyweight division. Before that, Pereira linked up with his former opponent Sean Strickland to do some training and to learn some English. One of the most outspoken and controversial stars on the current roster, Strickland training with Pereira was an intrigue to the fans. Now, UFC’s ‘Tarzan’ has given some details about sparring with the former two-weight Glory Kickboxing champion.

Sean Strickland discusses sparring with Alex Pereira

The fight against Sean Strickland essentially earned Alex Pereira his title shot. After only two fights in the UFC, the unranked Pereira was fighting a top 5-ranked opponent when he faced Sean Strickland at UFC 276. The Brazilian solidified his status as a bonafide contender when he finished Strickland in the very first round.

Now, almost a year after the fight, the pair are training together. Both Pereira and Strickland have been sparring and they have their own remarks about it. While ‘Poatan’ showed some of the injuries he sustained from sparring, Strickland explained the difference between himself and Pereira on social media.

He said, “Here’s the thing you guys, about Alex [Pereira]. I can spar Alex and I can go point for point and you know, I can hit him. I can kick him. But the difference is, the man touches you, and you just f***ing die.”

Fans will not have much trouble believing Strickland as the #7 ranked contender was one of the victims who fell to Pereira’s thunderous left hook.

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The former middleweight champion will look to recreate the same when he steps into the cage at UFC 291.

When is Pereira fighting next?

Alex Pereira’s next fight will be his light heavyweight debut at UFC 291. On July 29, the Brazilian will face former champion Jan Blachowicz in the co-main event of the evening. A win against the Polish star could get Pereira a second UFC title shot; this time at 205 lbs.

This could also pave the way for a trilogy fight against Adesanya if Pereira manages to win the title at 205 lbs. Adesanya attempted the double champ feat against Blachowicz when he was the 205 lbs champion, but fell short. Who is to say ‘Stylebender’ will not attempt the same once more against an opponent he knocked out recently?

Fans can see Pereira in action at the end of July. Until then, they will have to adjust to the sparring updates from Strickland. Speaking of which, what do you make of the former opponents working together? Do you think Strickland can help improve the former kickboxing champion’s MMA game?

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Let us know in the comments below.