Alex Pereira doesn’t want any credit for Sean Strickland’s massive upset win over Israel Adesanya at UFC 293.
Strickland and Adesanya shared the Octagon inside the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia on September 9. Things did not go the way most were anticipating. Strickland dropped Adesanya in the first round with a punch and “The Last Stylebender” never had an answer for his opponent’s pressure throughout the fight. This one went the distance and Sean Strickland was awarded the UFC middleweight gold via unanimous decision.
Alex Pereira Denies Credit For Sean Strickland Win
Alex Pereira, a fierce rival of Adesanya, helped train with Strickland after their July 2022 encounter. In a new video posted on his YouTube channel, “Poatan” said Strickland’s championship victory was achieved through hard work, not his tutelage.
“There are so many people saying, ‘Oh Sean Strickland trained with Pereira and that’s why he won,’ but, hey, let me clarify, I had nothing to do with it, okay? He won on his own,” Pereira said. “It’s totally his success because he’s such a dedicated guy with a unique style and he really showed us what he’s got in his fight with Adesanya. So, the credit is all his. I had nothing to do with it.”
Pereira also took to his Twitter account to fire shots at those who doubted Strickland before the fight, yet aren’t praising him now.
Talking about the fight yesterday- everybody gave their opinion before the fight, but I didn’t see any “MMA expert” who gave Sean the credits he deserved!
NOW everybody is having excuses, they weren’t right this time.Its the minimum they can do. Sad is,this guys never change.
— Alex "Poatan" Pereira (@AlexPereiraUFC) September 10, 2023
“Talking about the fight yesterday- everybody gave their opinion before the fight, but I didn’t see any ‘MMA expert’ who gave Sean the credits he deserved! NOW everybody is having excuses, they weren’t right this time.Its the minimum they can do. Sad is, this guys never change.”
Pereira was initially intrigued at the thought of moving back down to middleweight, but he has put those plans on hold now that Strickland is the 185-pound titleholder. With that said, Pereira is likely in prime position for a UFC light heavyweight title opportunity.
