Watch: Former UFC World Champion Spars Major Boxing Prospect in a Viral Video

Boxing vs MMA crossover fights has been an ongoing saga and the fans have taken a keen interest in it. The sheer curiosity of witnessing athletes cross over to another sport to see how they hold up is immense. The fact that the second most grossing pay-per-view event of all time is Floyd Mayweather vs Conor McGregor is a testament to the same. However, that has not been the only instance when an MMA fighter has crossed over and competed in the boxing ring. Former MMA world champions, Tyron Woodley and Anderson Silva both squared off against YouTuber turned boxer, Jake Paul.  In a recent viral video, former UFC world champion: Alex Pereira sparred with a prospect in the ring.

Pereira is an MMA fighter but predominantly a kickboxer. He was also a former kickboxing light-heavyweight world champion. He transitioned to MMA back in November of 2021 and in a short span of time became the middleweight world champion. It bears mention that Pereira is a skillful striker in the octagon. But is he a skilled boxer in the ring against a rising prospect? Let’s find out.

In a recent video, The UFC fighter was seen wearing his official UFC shorts in the ring. He was sparring with a boxing prospect who was significantly shorter than him in size. Intriguingly, the boxer was wearing a head guard and Pereira was not wearing any for protection. There were several instances where Pereira was the clear aggressor and landed some clean shots. The video went viral in the combat sports world and ignited many distinct opinions from fans.

How did Alex Pereira hold up in this boxing fight? Fans have their say

The spar took place in a boxing gym and many spectators were witnessing the intriguing bout. Meanwhile, the same also caught the attention of fans who were quick to make their reactions public.

A fan CompletePivot0302 shared his insights and stated, “Even in your footage alex looks well in control but I’d still like to hear what the guys he sparred have to say about sparring him. Also alex is fighting at the end of this month so it makes sense for him to be sparring. I doubt getting flash ko’d by izzy after cutting 30 pounds of water weight left him badly concussed but maybe I’m wrong”

Meanwhile, al2577891 does not consider it to be an intense spar. He stated, “Friendly sparring, Alex wasn’t even punching full power, thats why he is not wearing head gear.”

One fan,

lefthook95 had a few words for the boxer. He stated, “Boxing star?

This boy is just a 5’10 light heavyweight and he is just a prospect.”

Another fan

Trolldznutz leveled criticism at the MMA fighter, he stated, “Alex got a chin cause he’s a easy target

hands down no head movement flat footed limited punch selection he’s  people don’t realize that great fighters get in with novice fighters for work not to beat up on someone like Alex he’s light work in a boxing gym.”

And lastly, antonchigurh2930 asserted, “Boxing is the best”

Read more: Alex Pereira Reveals Mindset Before Facing Experienced Israel Adesanya in MMA Fight

It is safe to say that fans had mixed reactions to how the fight panned out. While some lauded Pereira, others criticized him and few even commented on the credibility of the prospect. What are your opinions on the sparring session? Share with us your thoughts in the comments below.

WATCH THE STORY: 5 times Israel Adesanya obliterated his opponents inside the Octagon