UFC

Former Foes Unite: Alex Pereira to Corner Sean Strickland at UFC 312

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Sean Strickland kicks Krzysztof Jotko in a middleweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on May 1, 2021.

In a surprising turn of events, UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira will be in Sean Strickland’s corner for his upcoming middleweight title rematch against Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 312. This unexpected alliance has sent shockwaves through the MMA community, given the history between Pereira and Strickland.

The news was revealed by Xtreme Couture head coach Eric Nicksick during an interview with The Schmo. Nicksick expressed enthusiasm about having Pereira join their team for this crucial bout, scheduled for February 8 at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia.

“We will have Alex Pereira in the corner, so dropping the news right now,” Nicksick announced. “He’s a good friend of Sean. He’s a great training partner. Obviously, these guys have fought, but after the fight, I think it takes a man to go and learn from the guy who caught you with something”.

From Adversaries to Allies

The journey from opponents to training partners is a testament to the evolving nature of relationships in MMA. Pereira and Strickland first crossed paths in the Octagon at UFC 276 in July 2022, where Pereira secured a first-round knockout victory over Strickland. This loss was a significant setback for Strickland, but it also marked the beginning of an unexpected friendship.

Since their fight, the two have developed a strong bond, frequently training together. Strickland even traveled to help Pereira prepare for his fight against Khalil Rountree, demonstrating the depth of their newfound camaraderie. This collaboration has proven beneficial for both fighters, with Strickland gaining insights from the man who once defeated him, and Pereira expanding his training circle.

The decision to have Pereira in Strickland’s corner for such a crucial fight speaks volumes about the trust and respect between the two fighters. It also highlights Strickland’s willingness to learn and adapt, even from a former opponent who handed him a decisive loss.

Strategic Advantage or Risky Move?

Having Pereira in his corner could provide Strickland with a unique strategic advantage. As someone who has not only fought Strickland but also knocked him out, Pereira possesses invaluable insights into Strickland’s strengths and weaknesses. This inside knowledge could be crucial in formulating a game plan to reclaim the middleweight title from Du Plessis.

However, this move is not without its potential drawbacks. Some critics might argue that having a recent opponent in one’s corner could be psychologically challenging for Strickland. There’s also the question of how this dynamic might affect Strickland’s performance under pressure.

Despite these concerns, Nicksick seems confident in the decision. “I love having him, man. It’s great energy,” he said, emphasizing the positive impact Pereira’s presence has on the team.

The upcoming rematch between Strickland and Du Plessis is already generating significant buzz in the MMA world. Their first encounter at UFC 297 ended in a closely contested split decision victory for Du Plessis, with many fans and pundits believing Strickland had done enough to retain his title.

As Strickland prepares to reclaim his middleweight crown, he faces a formidable challenge in Du Plessis, who has yet to taste defeat in the UFC. The South African champion has made it clear he won’t entertain Strickland’s request for a stand-up only fight, stating, “If you want to make pacts about us just standing up, go do boxing”.

With Pereira in his corner, Strickland gains not just a friend and training partner, but a strategic asset who has experienced both sides of the Octagon with him. As UFC 312 approaches, all eyes will be on this intriguing middleweight title rematch, now made even more compelling by the unexpected presence of the light heavyweight champion in Strickland’s corner.