Two of essentially the most distinguished figures within the UFC, Sean Strickland and Alex Pereira, have solid an surprising bond. What started as a brutal first-round knockout at UFC 276 has developed right into a collaboration. Their contrasting personalities merely add to the enchantment. The US-born Strickland explains how impressed he’s with the profession of ‘Poatan.’
Sean Strickland and Alex Pereira
The story of Strickland and Pereira started at UFC 276 in July 2022. On the time, Sean Strickland was using a six-fight profitable streak and was thought-about one of many high contenders within the middleweight division. Alex Pereira, a former kickboxing world champion, was nonetheless comparatively new to the UFC however carried immense hype.
Of their combat, Alex Pereira delivered a devastating first-round knockout together with his signature left hook. The loss was a humbling second for Strickland, who later admitted that he underestimated Pereira’s energy. For Pereira, the victory propelled him into title rivalry and ultimately led to him capturing the UFC Middleweight Championship simply months later.
Strickland took an unconventional path. He sought out Pereira as a coaching associate. Over time, Sean Strickland and ‘Poatan’ Alex Pereira have skilled collectively extensively, serving to one another put together for main fights. Regardless of their contrasting personalities, Strickland being outspoken and brash whereas Pereira is stoic and reserved, the 2 have developed a powerful camaraderie.
Pereira has spoken extremely of Strickland’s work ethic and expertise, whereas Strickland has expressed deep respect for Pereira’s journey. “You have to have respect for Alex,” Strickland stated in an interview. “Where did that man come from? A tire shop, dude. He came from literally nothing and made a life for himself. As an American, Alex is kind of the American dream,” he stated to MMA Junkie.
‘Poatan’ grew up in poverty and labored in a tire store as a teen. Battling alcoholism at one level, he turned his life round by kickboxing, ultimately turning into a two-division champion in Glory Kickboxing earlier than transitioning to MMA. In the end, he would develop into a two-division UFC champion.
Alex Pereira will nook Sean Strickland throughout his rematch towards Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 312 on February 8, 2025.
