UFC stars Sean ‘Tarzan’ Strickland and Alex ‘Poatan’ Pereira have often been seen together on several occasions. Strickland, in particular, often heaps praises on Pereira’s exquisite striking ability. This time again, Tarzan went on in a deep discussion about how he would get knocked out again if they fought for a second time.
The first fight between Alex Pereira and Sean Strickland occurred at UFC 276 in 2022. In that fight, Poatan comfortably thrashed Tarzan in a first-round knockout, ending the latter’s five-fight win streak. However, neither fighter fought against the other after that. They became close friends and sparring partners for each other. Interestingly, Strickland discussed the threat that Pereira possesses against him.
I’m not scared of Alex. But the problem is my chin will just; I mean I’ll go to sleep. Like it’s a weird thing when you fight Alex. For me to knock Alex out, he has to do something really stupid. Like he has to do like what he did against Izzy [Israel Adesanya]. Like if you gave me one free shot and you said give everything I can to it, I’m not knocking him out.
Sean Strickland via video uploaded by Plinio Cruz
Both Alex Pereira and Sean Strickland share a great camaraderie. As such, Strickland even trained with Pereira on several occasions. The above discussion was from their recent training session. Per Strickland, the Brazilian is a tough nut to crack, which is quite evident given Pereira’s record in the promotion.
Strickland also revealed that if Pereira just touches him with one fine hook, the fight will be over then there. Tarzan believes Poatan striking power plays a big role in his fight. Speaking of power, Pereira even has outpowered former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in a punching machine. Not only that, the Brazilian striker has even shown exquisite striking prowess during his recent fight.
Sean Strickland explains why it’s so tough facing Alex Pereira:
“I’m not scared of Alex, but my chin… I’ll just go to sleep it’s a weird thing…
For me to knock Alex out he has to do something really stupid… if you gave me one free shot and you said give everything you can,… pic.twitter.com/jqMHovjj5g
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) August 23, 2024
Most recently, Pereira defeated Jiri Prochazka with an exquisite head kick, leaving Prochazka wobbling. However, months after that fight, following UFC middleweight champ Dricus Du Plessis’ victory over Israel Adesanya, Poatan expressed interest in potentially returning to the middleweight division. However, Strickland believes otherwise, feeling that it was just a bluff from Pereira.
Sean Strickland shares his thoughts on Alex Pereira’s potential middleweight return
Poatan’s run at the UFC middleweight was great. In his five fights at the division, Pereira only had one defeat, which was against Adesanya. Following that loss, Pereira competed in the UFC light heavyweight division. Currently, he reigns as the 205 lbs king. Recently, he wished to come back and fight at 185 again. Interestingly, Sean Strickland believes Poatan won’t be making that cut.
Alex Pereira and Sean Strickland together (Image via Instagram)In a recent interview with ESPN MMA, Strickland delved into a deep discussion about the recently concluded UFC 305 event. A few minutes later, the conversation even led to Pereira’s recent antics. Interestingly, the American fighter mentioned some great points about the Brazilian’s health during the weight cuts.
I remember seeing Alex (Pereira) for his last fight (at middleweight) in the back room, and he looked like death… to a point where I’m like man, this ain’t good for you.
Sean Strickland via ESPN MMA
Sean Strickland doesn’t think Alex Pereira will cut back down to 185 ever again “luckily for us” 💀
“I remember seeing Alex for his last fight [at middleweight] in the back room, and he looked like f***ing death… to a point where I’m like man, this ain’t good for you.”
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) August 21, 2024
Strickland believes it’s tough to cut weight again after one gets used to a weight division. Pereira might not fare well due to a weight cut to 185 pounds. He is comfortable with making 205 pounds, and that will not leave him dehydrated. That said, now it remains to be seen what Pereira plans to do next. The next decision will only happen after his fight scheduled against Khalil Rountree for UFC 307.
