Alex Pereira and Sean Strickland, who fought in 2022 with Pereira winning by knockout, have resumed training together in 2023 and recently shared their sparring sessions on social media, highlighting their mutual respect and continued success in the UFC.
Alex Pereira and Sean Strickland have been training together again.
Back in 2022, Pereira faced Strickland at UFC 276. He knocked Strickland out in the first round, securing a middleweight title shot.
After the bout, Strickland gave props to Pereira. They trained together in 2023 and now they’re back at it.
On Friday, Strickland posted a photo of them sparring. They exchanged pleasantries over social media.
“Why do you punch so hard?!” Strickland exclaimed. “We gotta get a scientific study on this man’s power. Great seeing you, man!”
Pereira responded warmly: “It’s always a pleasure to train with [you], brother!! We are always evolving!!”
Pereira also shared clips of their session on Instagram Reels. Nearly six minutes of light sparring were shown (h/t MMA Orbit).
Since their infamous fight in 2022, both fighters have seen great success.
Strickland improbably claimed the middleweight title in 2023. He earned Fighter of the Year honors after an upset victory over Israel Adesanya at UFC 293.
Meanwhile, Pereira has been building his legacy as an all-time great fighter. He won the middleweight title over Adesanya before moving up to claim the light heavyweight title in 2023.
Pereira is also leading the race for 2024’s Fighter of the Year. His knockout wins over Jamahal Hill and Jiri Prochazka at UFC 300 and UFC 303 respectively have solidified his standing.
Both fighters continue to evolve and push their limits inside the octagon.