UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira and former opponent Sean Strickland have an interesting history. Pereira and Strickland fought in 2022, where ‘Poatan’ secured victory via brutal knockout. Despite their rivalry, the two have trained together multiple times since. Here is what Pereira said about the former middleweight champion:
Alex Pereira recently sat down to have a conversation with mainevent on YouTube. During his conversation with Niko Pajarillo from Fox Sports Australia, the reporter asked him about his training with Sean Strickland. Pajarillo questioned what made Strickland such a great training partner that ‘Poatan’ went for him again and again.
Well, training wise his experience plays a big factor on the help that he is giving here. And he is a good hearted guy man, he’s humble, he’s simple, he’s respectful… He’s a good person and I think plays a good factor on that we like him around here.
Alex Pereira via mainevent
Strickland has been part of Pereira’s preparations for UFC 307. The Brazilian will defend his light heavyweight title against Khalil Rountree Jr.. The UFC champion has deliberated in his approach to training for this fight, enlisting a diverse team of experts. Pereira’s camp includes decorated fighters like former champion Glover Teixeira, kickboxer Yousri Belgaroui, and Cesar Almeida.
Pereira previously revealed that he had gained a deeper appreciation for Strickland’s abilities during their training sessions. Alex Pereira and Sean Strickland fought at UFC 276 at middleweight. A year later, ‘Poatan’ helped Strickland prepare for Israel Adesanya at UFC 293. Both of them now share a bond and train together to better themselves.
Alexander Volkanovski asks Alex Pereira about Sean Strickland
Sean Strickland has developed a reputation as one of the most controversial and outspoken fighters in the UFC. That is due to his unfiltered, and often provocative remarks. His candidness, combined with a disregard for political correctness, has led to public backlash and criticism from various sectors.
During their conversation with Fox Sports Australia, former UFC champion Alexander Volkanovski asked ‘Poatan’ a question. The Australian fighter asked whether Strickland is the same ‘outlandish’ character in person or if he was ‘pretty chill’ behind the cameras.
No man he’s exactly what you see on camera. He’s a character but great person. And he’s a guy who has no filter, he says what he thinks. That may be not for every fighter but its good for us.
Alex Pereira via mainevent
Strickland has admitted to a troubled past, including a phase in which he flirted with neo-Nazi ideologies during his youth. His unapologetic, raw nature appeals to fans although his unorthodox approach has made him a polarizing figure in the sport. Nevertheless, Alex Pereira deeply trusts ‘Tarzan’ and will continue to collaborate further.
