Sean Strickland‘s victory over Israel Adesanya to claim the UFC middleweight title was anticipated by fellow fighter Alex Pereira, who previously observed Strickland’s technique and potential, and now expects him to maintain the title in a potential rematch.
Alex Pereira was aware that Sean Strickland was capable of defeating Israel Adesanya and now, everyone else knows it as well. In UFC 293, Strickland stunned viewers by authoring one of the most significant upsets in MMA history. He claimed the UFC middleweight title with a dominant five-round decision win over Adesanya. This result wasn’t expected, particularly since Strickland was seen on his back, defeated by Pereira at UFC 276 just over a year prior. However, Pereira was one of the few who believed that Strickland had the potential for such a victory.
As Pereira disclosed on ‘The MMA Hour’ through his translator, since it was booked, people sought his opinion on the outcome of the fight. He had always maintained that out of all the combatants, Strickland held the highest possibility of victory. He appreciated Strickland’s fighting style and ability to integrate his strategies effectively, having observed him in their first fight. He chose not to go into specifics so as not to give Adesanya a possible advantage in a rematch. Pereira wasn’t taken aback by the result and had anticipated Strickland’s excellent performance.
Discussion quickly turned to Strickland’s potential first title defense following his victory. UFC CEO, Dana White, suggested that Adesanya deserved an immediate rematch. Although that matchup is still uncertain, if it does happen, Pereira is firm in his belief that Strickland can repeat his success. He acknowledges Adesanya’s skills but insists that the fighters’ styles do not gel well and if Adesanya continues to fight the same way, the rematch would likely just mirror the first fight.
Pereira’s confidence in the new champion stems from their training time together and subsequently becoming friends. Any thoughts about Pereira dropping back to 185 pounds are, therefore, dismissed. He clarifies that his current plans do not involve facing his friend, Strickland, and neither is he keen on undergoing the strenuous weight cut required for the fight. Pereira’s goal was a potential face-off with Adesanya if he was still the reigning champion. However, Sean Strickland’s victory has altered this. Pereira, who is known for his middleweight title win over Strickland and knocking out Adesanya at UFC 287, is gearing up to challenge Jiri Prochazka for the vacant light heavyweight title at UFC 295 in Madison Square Garden, New York City.