Alex Pereira’s decision to support Sean Strickland in his title fight with Dricus Du Plessis was criticized as stupid and showwing off

The world of mixed martial arts (MMA) is full of surprising alliances, unexpected friendships, and strategic decisions that keep fans on their toes. One such recent development that has sparked intense debate is Alex “Poatan“ Pereira’s decision to corner Sean Strickland in his upcoming UFC 312 fight against middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis.

This announcement has divided the MMA community. Some see it as a show of camaraderie and mutual respect, while others, including UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier, have raised concerns about Pereira’s focus and preparation for his own light heavyweight title defense against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313, which takes place just a month later.

So, is Pereira’s decision a brilliant strategic move, or is it a risky distraction that could cost him dearly? In this deep dive, we’ll explore the history behind this friendship, expert opinions, and the potential implications for both fighters.

How Did Alex Pereira and Sean Strickland Become Friends?

At first glance, the idea of Alex Pereira and Sean Strickland being close friends seems unlikely. The two fought at UFC 276 in July 2022, where Pereira knocked out Strickland in the first round with his signature left hook.

Despite this brutal knockout, a surprising friendship developed between the two. In the unforgiving world of MMA, fighters often form bonds built on mutual respect, and that appears to be the case here.

Strickland has since helped Pereira prepare for key fights, including his UFC 307 showdown. Now, with Strickland looking to reclaim the UFC middleweight title against Du Plessis, Pereira is returning the favor.

Why is Pereira Cornering Strickland at UFC 312?

Many fans assumed that Pereira’s decision to be in Strickland’s corner was a last-minute act of support. However, Pereira recently clarified that he had already planned to be in Sydney, Australia, for other reasons.

“Sean and I have a great friendship. A lot of people think I’m just going there to be in his corner, but the reality is that I had already committed to being in Australia. The timing just worked out.”

Pereira also responded to critics who questioned the usefulness of his presence in Strickland’s corner, given that he doesn’t speak fluent English.

“People say, ‘What’s the point? He doesn’t even speak English.’ Listen, we have the same energy, the same frequency. We both fight in the same company, and we understand each other in ways that go beyond language.”

Daniel Cormier Calls Pereira’s Decision “Dangerous” and “Risky”

While many fans are excited to see Pereira supporting Strickland, not everyone believes it’s a wise move.

Daniel Cormier, a former UFC champion and respected analyst, has been particularly vocal about the potential risks of Pereira’s travel to Australia.

“I get it—he’s being a good friend, but this seems risky. You’re traveling across the world, dealing with jet lag, adjusting to time zones, and focusing on someone else’s fight instead of your own. And let’s not forget—he’s fighting Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313, which might be his toughest challenge yet.”

Cormier’s concerns stem from the logistical difficulties of traveling from the U.S. to Australia just weeks before a major title fight.

• Long-distance travel can disrupt training schedules and sleep patterns.
• Time zone shifts can impact energy levels and recovery.
• Injury risks—though Pereira won’t be fighting, cornering Strickland and participating in his camp could expose him to unnecessary risks.

Given that Magomed Ankalaev is one of the most dangerous light heavyweights in the UFC, many believe Pereira should stay focused on his own fight camp rather than flying across the globe to support a friend.

Michael Bisping Offers a Different Perspective

While Cormier’s concerns are valid, not everyone sees this as a bad decision.

Former middleweight champion Michael Bisping recently shared his thoughts, suggesting that Pereira’s involvement in Strickland’s fight camp could actually be beneficial for his own preparation.

“Yeah, traveling isn’t ideal, but let’s not act like Pereira is out there partying. He’s still training, and he’s still surrounded by his team. Plus, being around Strickland, who has trained with Ankalaev before, might give him some insight into what to expect.”

Bisping’s take highlights an interesting possibility—Strickland has trained with Ankalaev in the past, meaning he might have valuable insights that could help Pereira prepare for UFC 313.

If Pereira can gain even a slight edge in understanding Ankalaev’s tendencies, this trip might prove to be an unexpected strategic advantage.

Pereira’s History of Handling Tough Travel Schedules

For those worried about Pereira’s ability to juggle international travel and fight preparation, it’s worth noting that he’s been in similar situations before.

He recalled a time in 2016 when he fought in China under far from ideal circumstances. Despite dealing with jet lag and a packed schedule, he still managed to defeat Israel Adesanya via unanimous decision in a kickboxing match.

“People are making a big deal about me traveling, but I’ve done this a million times. It’s nothing new.”

Pereira’s confidence in his ability to handle the demands of travel, training, and competition suggests that he’s fully aware of what he’s doing.

What This Means for UFC 312 and UFC 313

Sean Strickland’s Rematch Against Dricus Du Plessis

At UFC 312, Strickland will face Dricus Du Plessis for the middleweight championship.

This rematch is highly anticipated, as their first fight was an intense back-and-forth war. Having Pereira in his corner could provide an extra boost of confidence for Strickland.

Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313

While Pereira’s presence in Strickland’s corner is making headlines, the real test will come at UFC 313, where he defends his light heavyweight belt against Magomed Ankalaev.

Ankalaev is widely considered one of the most dangerous strikers and grapplers in the division, and many believe he poses Pereira’s biggest challenge yet.

If Pereira loses focus or struggles with preparation due to his trip to Australia, it could significantly impact his performance at UFC 313.

Final Verdict: Smart Move or Risky Gamble?

So, was Alex Pereira’s decision to corner Sean Strickland at UFC 312 a good idea or a mistake?

Arguments for It Being a Smart Move

• Strengthening a valuable friendship in the fight community.
• Gaining insights from Strickland’s experience training with Ankalaev.
• Proving that he can balance commitments and still perform at an elite level.

Arguments for It Being a Risky Distraction

• International travel could impact his training, sleep, and energy levels.
• Magomed Ankalaev is a major threat, and any disruption in preparation could cost Pereira the title.
• Unnecessary exposure to injury or illness just weeks before his own fight.

Ultimately, only time will tell if this decision pays off or backfires. If Pereira retains his light heavyweight title at UFC 313, fans will look back at this as just another example of his confidence and warrior mindset.

However, if he struggles against Magomed Ankalaev, many will point to this trip to Australia as a costly mistake.