Everybody knows about the rivalry between Alex Pereira and Anthony Smith. However, Smith is here to tell everybody that they actually have a silent cordial relationship going on in the background. Smith said they have this relationship of mutual respect which he found to be very cool.
In a recent episode of Believe You Me, Smith discussed his relationship with Alex Pereira with co-host Michael Bisping. Smith described their relationship as “very cool,” highlighting that despite any tension that might be perceived publicly, they have mutual respect.
Alex and I have this very cool relationship. I think it’s very, very cool what we have going on… We’re very I think just competitive in general, but when we’re in person, I thought it was so cool how we have a lot of respect for each other.
Anthony Smith on Believe You Me Podcast
Smith emphasized that it is not awkward when they are together in person in the same room. He said it was as simple as a head nod acknowledging each other. However, Smith revealed that they do not talk or shake hands or anything like that.
Anthony Smith explains the “cool relationship” he developed with Alex Pereira during #UFC303 fight week. 👀
“Alex and I have this very cool relationship. I think it’s very, very cool what we have going on.”
“.. We’re very, I think just competitive in general, but when we’re in… pic.twitter.com/S4ywaoTJhK
— Parry Punch (@ParryPunchNews) July 9, 2024
The tension between Anthony Smith and Alex Pereira stems from a series of public comments and interactions. It began when Smith questioned Pereira’s qualifications and suggested that he had not truly earned his place among the top contenders. ‘Poatan’ responded to Smith’s comments which created a public back-and-forth, with both fighters taking jabs at each other.
Anthony Smith said that he and Alex Pereira do not have any problem doing media together. However, that was not what fans observed in their previous interaction at UFC 303. As both fighters crossed paths at UFC 303’s pre-fight press conference, Smith steered clear of ‘Poatan’ without any form of acknowledgement.
Anthony Smith and Alex Pereira (via MMA Mania/ EuroSport)Smith interacted with just about everybody at the UFC 303 pre-fight press conference. However, when it came to Pereira, the two fighters did not even lock eyes, let alone have a conversation. Fans who saw it pointed it out on social media as it was in stark contrast to their behavior on social media.
Anthony Smith was competing the same night Alex Pereira headlined UFC 303. ‘Lionheart’ took on Roman Dolidze on short notice. He even announced that he would cut a promo if he won to potentially fight Pereira for the light heavyweight title. It will be interesting to see where this rivalry leads to later down in the 205 lbs weight class.
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