Alex Pereira is playing second fiddle to the saga that is Dricus Du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland. Strickland and Pereira became an unlikely duo after ‘Poatan’ knocked ‘Tarzan’ out at UFC 276, with the Amazonian even cornering the American fighter in his first showdown against ‘Stillknocks’ at UFC 297. In fact, when DDP beat Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 Pereira issued a cryptic warning to the South African champion, stating that he’s “Coming down to 185 one more time”, posting a picture of himself in front of his television screen showing the belt being wrapped around the champion.

Ahead of his much-awaited rematch against Sean Strickland at UFC 312, and not being one to take shade lying down, the South African champion has now issued his own cryptic warning to the Brazilian two-weight champion. In an interview with ESPN MMA, ‘Stillknocks’ said, in a calm and collected manner, “2024 has been a massive year for me but 2025 is going to be so much more. Now goal to be champion is one but there’s many more to come. Defending this title, taking over the division, and now, I’m still quite a bit of a way from dominating the division, and in a place where there is no competition left.”

He added, “And I also want to go up and get another belt and ultimately be seen as the greatest fighter to ever have walked this earth. That is my ultimate goal and that is what keeps me going no matter what you achieve.” This could perhaps be a clear indication that Dricus Du Plessis is open to the idea of moving up and challenging Alex Pereira for his light heavyweight strap. But of course, DDP recognizes that there’s quite a bit of work to be done in his division before making a move up a weight class.

But those weren’t the only words the South African champion directed towards Alex Pereira. In light of ‘Poatan’ cornering ‘Tarzan’ for the middleweight title battle at UFC 312, ‘Stillknocks’ decided to take more shots at the light heavyweight champion in conversation with Mark Bouris, saying, “How is it going to feel Sean Strickland’s corner, losing again? I’ll ask him that.”

The drama is exciting, and one can’t help but imagine the fantasy matchup between Dricus Du Plessis and Alex Pereira. But what might have started the rivalry between the two?

The rivalry between Alex Pereira and Du Plessis

Remember Pereira’s photo, uploaded to Instagram with the caption: “Coming down to 185 one more time”? Why would Pereira issue a threat to someone he barely knows or has past beef with? Is it his friendship with Sean Strickland? Perhaps. But is that good enough a reason to go after someone – your friend fighting a world champion and losing? We’re not sure if Alex Pereira is that petty, but there is one particular instance where DDP might have irked ‘Poatan’. Remember Du Plessis’ attack on Sean Strickland with the comments about his abusive father?

Being a family, and knowing the importance of being there for family during rough times, this comment might have not sat well with the light heavyweight champion. Furthermore, Strickland breaking down on Theo Von’s podcast might have also been a factor for Alex Pereira to go after Dricus, who might have been perceived as a bully, who mentally dismantled his opponent.

Cut to UFC 312 fight week, and ‘Poatan’ shot another, albeit indirect, warning to Dricus Du Plessis. He uploaded a picture with his team en route to Sydney to corner Sean Strickland. Pereira has been helping ‘Tarzan’ refine his striking skills and was present with him for his first fight against DDP. However, Du Plessis pointed out the language barrier that Pereira and Strickland might have. In an interview with CBS Sports, the champ said, “Strickland could barely understand his own coach who’s also American. How is he going to understand Alex Pereira?”

What do you think? Will Alex Pereira’s charm work for Strickland the second time around, in his battle against Dricus Du Plessis? Let us know in the comments down below.