{"id":565467,"date":"2026-03-26T11:11:08","date_gmt":"2026-03-26T11:11:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/565467\/"},"modified":"2026-03-26T11:11:08","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T11:11:08","slug":"pereira-and-strickland-throw-hands-during-sparring","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/565467\/","title":{"rendered":"Pereira And Strickland Throw Hands During Sparring"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Pereira<\/p>\n

Instagram: espnmma
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\nhttps:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/Cw_7nccO-9Z\/<\/p>\n

Alex Pereira <\/a>was seen trading with former rival Sean Strickland<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The sparring session saw Strickland point directly at the center of the canvas\u2014mimicking Max Holloway\u2019s invitation to Justin Gaethje\u2014before the two had a 10-second flurry of heavy combinations. Pereira\u2019s high-intensity work with Strickland comes as he prepares to fight Ciryl Gane in the co-main event of UFC Freedom 250 on June 14. To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, the Octagon will be set up on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n

A victory would see Pereira crowned the Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion. This would make him the first athlete in the promotion\u2019s history to capture belts in three weight classes. Their relationship began in hostility when Pereira famously stopped Strickland with a left hook at UFC 276. Despite that knockout, the two have moved past their rivalry, with Strickland frequently helping \u201cPoatan\u201d prepare for his fights.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Pereira With His Rivals<\/p>\n

Just as Pereira is on good terms with Strickland, he also extended his wishes to Israel Adesanya who take on Joe Pyfer this weekend. <\/p>\n

\u201cSaturday is fight night once again. Much respect to Israel Adesanya \u2014 we\u2019ve shared the Octagon and moments that became part of my journey. That loss taught me a lot; it pushed me to evolve not only as a fighter, but as a man. I grew, matured, and used it as fuel to reach a higher level in the sport and in life. Regardless of rivalry, I know what it means to step in there \u2014 the years of work, the pressure, the sacrifice. That\u2019s why I wish you a great fight. Go in focused and show your best. We keep evolving. See you at the top CHAMA,\u201d Pereira said\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

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