Alex Pereira knew it before it happened. With an unprecedented win over Israel Adesanya,Sean Strickland sent the fans into a frenzy. And the Brazilian watched the fight unfold in the same manner as he had foreseen it. It all went down at UFC 293 when ‘Tarzan’ dethroned ‘Stylebender’ from the middleweight throne and afforded ‘Poatan’ an opportunity to roll it back.
While many doubted the American fighter’s chances against Adesanya, Pereira deposited his faith in him. He had pointed out on multiple occasions that if anyone could oust Adesanya from the top, it was Strickland. Additionally, Pereira even joined Strickland’s camp and helped him train. The former kickboxer knew a thing or two about defeating the Nigerian-Kiwi fighter. And it appears he instilled those in Strickland’s game plan.
UFC 293: Alex Pereira reminds fans of his prediction of Sean Strickland pulling it off
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The 36-year-old turned to his X-handle and pointed out he had already envisioned the outcome. While he had Strickland winning on his cards, no one took him seriously. Further, he penned a congratulatory message for the newly crowned champion.
I told u guys – but nobody believed me !
Congrats @SStricklandMMA 🏆. You deserve it !!!— Alex "Poatan" Pereira (@AlexPereiraUFC) September 10, 2023
He wrote, “I told u guys – but nobody believed me ! Congrats @SStricklandMMA 🏆. You deserve it !!!”
Most recently, the former Glory champion appeared in a conversation with The Schemo, where he admitted the fight would be tough for Strickland. But he also disclosed that he anticipated an upset.
Alex Pereira’s unwavering faith in Strickland to get the job done
“Very hard fight for Strickland. But Strickland is at the top right now. At the top guys, Strickland is the one to have more chance to beat Adesanya,” Pereira declared.
In the same conversation, he revealed that he would fight for the lightweight title next. Meanwhile, a loss for Adesanya means he will be back on the drawing board. Strickland, on the other hand, could bask in his glory and also dictate who he wants to fight next. An immediate rematch with Adesanya or an exciting matchup with Dricus du Plessis is the option available to him right now. But who knows?
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What do you make of this post by Alex Pereira? What do you think of the exciting fight at UF 293? Let us know in the comments below.
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