UFC 276: Israel Adesanya says Sean Strickland 'should've focused on his job' against Alex Pereira
Sean Strickland, UFC
Sean Strickland saw his unbeaten middleweight status evaporate after just two and a half minutes against Alex Pereira on Saturday night.
Saturday night's UFC 276 event saw plenty of top class middleweight action, with champion Israel Adesanya defending his belt, while the unbeaten duo of Sean Strickland and Alex Pereira faced off in Las Vegas.
Strickland was unbeaten in the middleweight division and was a strong favourite heading into Saturday's clash. Up against the Brazilian kickboxer Pereira, the American insisted he would "resort to wrestling" if hurt during the bout.
It turns out Strickland wasn't even given a chance to take Pereira to the canvas, with a knockout defeat coming in just two-and-a-half minutes.
The 25-4 fighter was criticised by many for his decision to go toe-to-toe with one of the best strikers in the division, and he paid the price for his faulty game-plan.
There's only one man @Stylebender wants next - and that's Alex Pereira ? #UFC276 pic.twitter.com/iFNbXt7hdE
— UFC (@ufc) July 3, 2022
Among those critics was middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, who stated before the event he believed Strickland could be troubled by Pereira.
"If I'm being honest, he might get f*cked up, Strickland," Adesanya said. "If he doesn't fight with his ego, he'll get f*cked up."
It was a solid prediction from the New Zealander, who later defended his title for the fifth time with a unanimous points victory over Jared Cannonier.
After his victory, Adesanya reminded Strickland of his pre-fight warning.
"It was a good fight. But Sean Strickland should have focused on his job like I told him to," Adesanya said.
Alex Pereira is back out to watch the #UFC276 main event ? pic.twitter.com/iG0zgyXvIg
— UFC (@ufc) July 3, 2022
Having now gone from an unranked 185lb fighter, to an immediate top five contender, there's every chance that Adesanya could now enter the octagon with Pereira.
The two have history, with "Poatan" twice beating Adesanya in previous kickboxing matches.
With the middleweight belt on the line, it's bound to be another blockbuster night of UFC action. Repeat or revenge? Only time will tell.
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