“Very Hard Fight for…”- After Knocking Out Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland, Alex Pereira Predicts Grim Fate for Former UFC Opponent at UFC 293

What awaits Sean Strickland at UFC 293 is anyone’s guess. Some might not give him a chance when he and Israel Adesanya square off on September 9 at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney. While verbal warfare is hot and keeps the traction alive, the result is not being talked about enough. Therefore, who is better than Alex Pereira to make a call?

The Brazilian fighter cleared his way to the middleweight crown when he knocked out ‘Tarzan’. Soon, a win against ‘Stylebender’ followed. However, the former kickboxer dropped the title in the subsequent rematch at UFC 287. Hence, he is well aware of the good and the bad of both his formal opponents. While ‘Poatan’ believes Strickland would have a “hard fight”, he predicated an unpleasant outcome for the Nigerian-Kiwi fighter.

Alex Pereira cautions Israel Adesanya of “at the top” Sean Strickland

The 36-year-old appeared in an interview with The Schmo along with Glover Teixeira, who doubled up as his translator. When asked about the outcome of the headliner in Australia, the stoic Pereira shied away due to his recent fiasco with Anthony Smith.

Teixeira, translating Pereira’s comments, said, “You know, he say he doesn’t like to talk about people too much. Because you know how [it] is like a controversial, you know. People misunderstand and talk. Like the things with Anthony Smith right now, you know.”

Following this, Pereira pointed out that the middleweight champion was a “strong fighter” and thus would put on a “hard fight” for Strickland. On the other hand, Strickland was also at the top of his game, and hence, Pereira anticipated an upset.

“But he’s saying like Adesanya is definitely a very uh strong fighter and [it is] 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,” Teixeira declared.

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These comments might ring a red alarm for the middleweight lynchpin, who has had a dominant run in the division. Except for the sole blemish that Pereira put on his middleweight career. Meanwhile, Adesanya refuses to recognize Strickland as a “difficult” matchup.

Adesanya and his “not so difficult” Sean Strickland fight

The champion rated his opponent when he sat down with TSN. When asked about Strickland, he said, “This guy is not on that on that level, and I know I can beat him. He’s not that difficult.”

Therefore, it appears the two archrivals differ in where they rank Strickland. It remains to be seen whether Pereira’s judgment of Strickland is more correct or whether Adesanya has more confidence in his skills. Everything unfolds this Saturday.

What do you make of these comments by Alex Pereira? Who do you think holds the upper hand between Sean Strickland and Israel Adesanya? Let us know in the comments below.

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