Controversy Erupts as Alex Pereira Brings Banned Fighter Into UFC 320 Preparations

Former two-division UFC champion Alex Pereira is leaving no stone unturned as he prepares to reclaim the UFC light heavyweight title. Set to face reigning champion Magomed Ankalaev in a highly anticipated rematch at UFC 320 on October 4, Pereira’s decision to bring in a controversial training partner has stirred debate across the MMA community.

The Brazilian powerhouse suffered a unanimous decision loss to Ankalaev earlier this year in March. In that fight, Pereira’s usually devastating striking was neutralized by Ankalaev’s composed game plan. Although the Dagestani fighter failed on 12 takedown attempts, he outstruck Pereira across three of the five rounds, earning the nod on the judges’ scorecards and capturing the title.

With the rematch looming, Pereira has turned to someone familiar — a man who once stood across from him in the Octagon — to help him prepare for the battle ahead. And not everyone is convinced it’s the right call.

Sean Strickland Joins Pereira’s Camp

Pereira has enlisted the help of Sean Strickland, a top middleweight contender and former UFC champion who fought Pereira back in 2022. That fight ended with Pereira delivering a brutal first-round knockout at UFC 276, a moment that propelled the Brazilian closer to the middleweight title.

Over time, the once-fierce rivals became unlikely allies. Strickland has since cornered Pereira for several key fights, including his title bouts against Dricus du Plessis. Their relationship, built on mutual respect and shared fighting experience, has become a valuable asset in Pereira’s corner.

Strickland confirmed his role in Pereira’s UFC 320 camp via social media, posting a photo alongside Pereira and former UFC light heavyweight champion Glover Teixeira. “Why is there a gym in Connecticut filled with violent Brazilians?!” Strickland joked in the caption — a comment that sparked immediate buzz online.

Yet, Strickland’s presence comes with baggage. The outspoken American is currently suspended by the UFC following a cage-side altercation at a regional MMA event. After assaulting a fighter in the cage, Strickland was handed a six-month ban, which could be shortened if he successfully completes an anger management program.

This disciplinary history, coupled with Strickland’s fighting style, has left many fans questioning whether he is the right fit for Pereira’s camp — especially when preparing for a versatile opponent like Ankalaev.

Fans Question the Strategic Fit

The addition of Strickland has generated mixed reactions. While some appreciate the chemistry and striking knowledge he brings, others argue that Pereira needs a completely different type of sparring partner to prepare for Ankalaev.

“Bro he needs to find grapplers, not a boxer,” one fan wrote, pointing out that Strickland’s own fight history shows minimal focus on wrestling. Since their first meeting, Strickland has attempted only two takedowns in the UFC, highlighting his primarily stand-up-based approach.

“Why? He offers nothing,” another fan commented, questioning what unique challenges Strickland could offer in replicating Ankalaev’s well-rounded skill set.

A third fan noted the glaring issue of trying to mimic a fighter as tactical and composed as Ankalaev with someone like Strickland: “Didn’t help at all last time Poatan faced Ank. Strickland can’t mimic Ank…”

Still, not all the comments were negative. Some fans took a lighter tone, focusing on what Strickland might contribute in striking refinement. “Alex’s teep is about to be amazing, man,” one supporter posted, suggesting Pereira might use the time to sharpen his kicks and improve his distance management.

A Tough Challenge Ahead

Magomed Ankalaev presents one of the most difficult puzzles at light heavyweight. A methodical fighter with excellent defensive awareness, disciplined striking, and a solid wrestling background, Ankalaev thrives in neutralizing his opponents’ strengths.

In their first meeting, Ankalaev avoided the big shots that have made Pereira a knockout threat in both kickboxing and MMA. While he failed to bring the fight to the mat, he didn’t need to — instead, he controlled the pace, managed distance effectively, and outscored Pereira in the striking exchanges over five rounds.

For Pereira to reclaim the belt, adjustments are essential. He must find ways to disrupt Ankalaev’s rhythm, improve his takedown defense to maintain confidence in throwing power shots, and perhaps diversify his own offense beyond the devastating left hook and low kicks that opponents have come to anticipate.

The Role of Glover Teixeira

While the MMA community debates Strickland’s place in Pereira’s camp, the presence of Glover Teixeira remains a cornerstone of Pereira’s preparation. Teixeira, a former UFC light heavyweight champion and longtime training partner of Pereira, brings elite grappling and veteran insight to the table. His role in sharpening Pereira’s defensive wrestling and overall fight IQ cannot be overstated.

Teixeira’s combination of experience, technical understanding, and leadership provides a stabilizing influence in an otherwise high-intensity fight camp. Fans who worry about Strickland’s contribution can take solace in knowing that Teixeira’s hand remains firmly on the wheel of Pereira’s preparation.

Risk or Reward?

Bringing in Sean Strickland could be a double-edged sword. On one hand, Strickland’s unpredictability and high-volume striking may push Pereira to refine defensive patterns, maintain composure under pressure, and improve his conditioning against someone who thrives on forward pressure.

On the other hand, if the goal is to simulate Ankalaev — a disciplined, measured, and wrestling-capable opponent — Strickland might not offer much of what Pereira truly needs. MMA camps are carefully orchestrated, often involving multiple sparring partners, each selected to mimic certain attributes of the upcoming opponent. If Strickland is merely one piece of a broader training puzzle, the risk may be minimal. But if he’s central to Pereira’s preparation, the concerns raised by fans could prove valid.

What This Means for UFC 320

The upcoming rematch at UFC 320 is shaping up to be one of the most compelling light heavyweight title fights in recent memory. The stakes are enormous. A victory for Pereira would mark his return to the top of yet another division, further cementing his legacy as one of MMA’s most dangerous multi-division champions. For Ankalaev, a second win would silence critics, validate his championship run, and close the chapter on a high-profile rival.

Training camps often remain shrouded in secrecy, and public perception rarely captures the full scope of preparation. While fans debate whether adding a banned fighter like Sean Strickland to Pereira’s camp is a brilliant tactical choice or a miscalculated distraction, the only thing that will matter is the result on October 4.

If Pereira steps into the Octagon sharper, more strategic, and fully prepared to counter Ankalaev’s methodical game, this chapter of his career could become another triumph in a remarkable fighting journey. If not, the decision to rely on familiar faces rather than specialized solutions may be one that haunts his camp for months to come.

One thing is certain: the MMA world will be watching closely, eager to see whether Alex Pereira’s bold decisions lead to redemption — or regret.