Sean Strickland will have a familiar face in his corner when he attempts to win his middleweight title back from Dricus du Plessis at UFC 312.
That’s because UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira will be on hand to offer him advice, having become firm friends since the Brazilian knocked out Strickland nearly three years ago.
Strickland will also have usual corner man Eric Nicksick alongside the champion to give advice on how to regain the belt.
Pereira will most likely be the fourth coach, according to Nicksick in an interview with ‘The Schmo’ on YouTube.
The pair fought back in 2022 and have become regular training partners, especially since competing in different weight classes.
Strickland lost his title to Du Plessis in January 2024 in a gruelling five round fight.
The rematch is scheduled Sunday, February 9 and despite Strickland calling for a stand-up battle Du Plessis refused.
“It’s a ridiculous thing to ask,” Du Plessis said. “If you want to make pacts about us just standing up, go do boxing. I don’t go into fights thinking I have to stand up or take the guy down. I do what the situation tells me to do. That’s what MMA fighters do. I’m comfortable everywhere.”
Pereira and Strickland have a very interesting frienship that started when the Brazilian and the American faced off against each other at UFC 276 in July 2022 – Pereira’s third fight in Dana White’s promotion.
As the fight kicked off Strickland took control of the octagon and pushed the pace but Pereira was happy to circle round and land kicks.
A few minutes later Pereira landed a clean left hook that sent the 33-year-old to the ground and then finished with a right cross.
The elder fighter simply has dynamite in his hands that many opponents in the UFC have now fallen to.
The 37-year-old is arguably the best stand up fighter in the promotion.
The two have since become good friends despite Pereira’s little English.
After a sparring session with the Brazilian Strickland tweeted: “@alexpoatanpereira why do you punch so hard? We gotta get a scientific study on this man’s power… Great seeing you man!”
Since then he beat Paulo Costa via a split decision in June 2024 to put himself back into contention.
Two months later Du Plessis defended his title against rival Israel Adesanya, submitting him in the fourth round.
The same opponent Strickland won his belt against in 2023 as the betting underdog via unanimous decision.
Within that period Pereira moved up to light heavyweight where he continued his domination, capturing a second belt.
He is set to defend his title for a fifth time against Magomed Ankalaev in March at UFC 313 and then could move up to heavyweight in an attempt to become the first ever three division champion.
