Alex Pereira is currently in camp preparing for his upcoming title defense at UFC 300. ‘Poatan’ has now made a name for himself for being as solid as a stone and knocking people out no matter how tough their chin is. However, for his upcoming fight, perhaps he’ll need more than just sheer knockout power. His opponent is none other than the former light heavyweight champion of the world, Jamahal Hill. Hill has an interesting fighting style that comprises both amazing striking skills as well as ground game. This is where Pereira’s efforts in grappling might come in handy.
However, one partner he chose to practice his ground game surprised the fans. That’s right. After his separation from his former partner, Merle Christine, Alex Periera has been seen hitting it off with none other than Polyana Viana, the strawweight sensation of the UFC.
Alex Pereira posts footage of his grappling training during his camp for #UFC300 👀
🎥 IG / @AlexPereiraUFC #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/rhqDtOqFlW
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) March 28, 2024
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In a recent training video, Alex Pereira was seen taking it to the ground with Viana, who was clearly giving ‘Poatan’ a lot of trouble. Her grappling game was on point and it didn’t look like Pereira was being over-dominant, even though he’s much heavier than her.
Regardless, the matchup was strange in a certain way. First of all, it certainly looked like a serious bout. Secondly, why would Pereira prepare for Hill, an LHW former champ grappling Viana, a strawweight fighter with a weight disadvantage? Whatever his reason, fans had things to say.
UFC fans watch in awe as Alex Pereira gets Viana as a sparring partner
UFC fans are some of the most outspoken in any sport. So when they saw Alex Pereira train with Polyana Viana, of course, they couldn’t silence themselves and clearly portrayed their views about it all. Some found it strange, others quite not. Here’s what lies in the middle of it all.
“I’ve gotta work on my grappling Pollyanna” 🗿
— cool moves (@moves_cool) March 28, 2024
While some suggested Pereira wanted to grapple with her, others were worried about why he wasn’t grappling with Brazilians.
Why is Alex training with UK grapplers instead of Brazilian men ? This isn’t good pic.twitter.com/h9AwBemXas
— 🇲🇽🇺🇸 (@n1troz_) March 28, 2024
Also Read: Why Does Jon Jones Not Look Into the Eyes of His Opponents? UFC Champ Sheds Light on His Face-Offs
Others pointed out that he fought different battles at once.
Bro is fighting two battles at once.
— TheClassifiedMan🏴 (@TheClassifiedM) March 28, 2024
The chama charm !!!
— Red (@SadBoyObito) March 28, 2024
Finally, some fans were worried about Jamahal Hill as the two are set to face. With Pereira’s grappling skills, the contest will be interesting to watch.
Looks like Hill only way of victory is gone now
— MMABoxingCasual (@MMABoxingCasual) March 28, 2024
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Jamahal is knocking him out?
— Atomic MMA (@MMASpextrum) March 28, 2024
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Regardless of weight divisions, Polyana Viana is an accomplished fighter in her own right and she is giving Pereira a hard time on the mat is only one indicator of her prowess in the cage. Fans loved the grappling between the two superstars. Will the training pay off for ‘Poatan’ against Hill? What are your predictions?