Strickland Talks Up Pereira Vs. Du Plessis
Sean Strickland has doubts that Alex Pereira will fight Dricus Du Plessis at middleweight.
Pereira called out Du Plessis after the South African defeated Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 to retain his UFC Middleweight Title. Pereira’s reason for coming down may be motivated by his loss to Adesanya. Izzy knocked Pereira out in the latter’s final fight at middleweight at UFC 287, as Alex lost his middleweight title. The rematch never happened, while Izzy lost his title to Strickland at UFC 293. Pereira has since then won the light heavyweight title.
Strickland’s Comments
He knocked out Jiri Prochazka at UFC 295 to win the belt. He then stopped him to retain his title in his last fight at UFC 303. Alex will face Khalil Rountree at UFC 307 in his next fight. If Alex wins, he will be pressured to face Magomed Ankalaev. The Russian is undefeated in his last 12 fights, with ten wins, a no-contest and a draw. He faces Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 308 in his next fight. Based on Strickland’s observations, if Alex wants Du Plessis, it will likely happen at light heavyweight.
“Alex’s big ass ain’t going back down to 185, dude. As a welterweight that moved up to 185, once you get used to that weight class, the thought of going back down sounds…miserable. I think Alex should fight [du Plessis] at 205 [pounds] any day of the week. I remember seeing Alex for his last fight [at 185 pounds] in the back room, and dude, he looked like…death.
“Like, when he last [cut to] middleweight, I walked through to say hi to him, and dude, he just looked like f….death, like to the point where I’m like, ‘Man, this ain’t good for you, dude. Go up. So I think at 205 he’d [fight du Plessis] in a heartbeat, but [185] man, I can’t see him doing that. Luckily for us,” Strickland said
Rogan Reacts
Joe Rogan is equally on board with the fight. The UFC commentator talked up Du Plessis’ ability to take a shot. He appeared on the back foot against Adesanya after Izzy had a strong third round. While the fight appeared to turn the tide, Du Plessis turned it around. He caught Adesanya with numerous right hands that pushed him back. The South African then got in the position to secure a takedown before making Izzy tap. While Rogan praised Du Plessis’ chin, he questioned if he could take a shot at 205 pounds.
“He could definitely go to 205. Wouldn’t you love to see him try? He can take a shot, for sure. But can you take a shot from that guy (Pereira)? Can you take a shot from that guy at 205? Because that guy at 205 puts everybody night-night. Everybody goes night-night. If Dricus goes up to 205 and fights Alex, oh my goodness,” Rogan said. “I’ll fly to the moon to commentate that fight. I want to see that fight. That’s crazy,” Rogan stated
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