Sean Strickland recently explained why he isn’t too fond of training
alongside Alex Pereira, especially when it comes to sparring. The former
middleweight champion highlighted the Brazilian’s exceptional striking
and described what the experience is like.
‘Tarzan’ and ‘Poatan• struck a friendship in quite a unique way while
competing in a title eliminator at UFC 276, which saw the Brazilian earn
an impressive knockout win. Despite their encounter inside the
octagon, Pereira helped Strickland prepare for his title fight against
Israel Adesanya, which paid off as he earned an upset win to become
the middleweight champion. Both competitors have been very
supportive of each other since then and the reigning light heavyweight
champion has even cornered his former foe.
In a video uploaded to Poatan•s• YouTube channel documenting his
preparation for UFC 307, ‘Tarzan’ opened up about training with the
light heavyweight champion. Strickland explained that it isn’t the best
experience because just as he feels confident, Pereira turns the tables
and showcases his elite-level sparring:
I felt like I did really well with [Pereira], but he would’ve knocked
me out right there. That’s why I hate sparring him, bro. Like, when I
feel like I’m doing good and I feel like I’m winning the rounds, he just
fu**ing hits me with some sh*t. ” [15:19 – 15:39]
Check out the full video featuring Alex Pereira and Sean Strickland
below:
Sean Strickland discusses final sparring session with Alex Pereira before UFC 307
In addition to explaining his experience sparring against Alex Pereira, Sean Strickland discussed assisting the Brazilian with his final sparring session before his title defense at UFC 307.
During the aforementioned video, Strickland shared his thoughts on helping Pereira with his final sparring session and noted that he was proud to support him:
“We’re here to bang, man. You got a bunch of angry Brazilians in one room, which is a good place…[Pereira and I] we’re sparring, man. Whatever he needs. I know it’s his last real sparring week, so we’re going to be banging today. It’s gonna be fun, a little scary. Got to keep the right hand up…I think it’s gonna be an easy night for Alex [at UFC 307]” [8:36 – 9:00]
Check out footage of Sean Strickland and Alex Pereria sparring below:
