Alex Pereira demonstrated yet again that standing with him and striking is like playing with fire.
In his first chance to make a statement on pay-per-view against a highly ranked opponent, Pereira uncorked a devastating left hook that put Sean Strickland down and out in the first round at UFC 276. The fight ended in a spectacular fashion. Pereira only needed one shot to hit flush, dropping Strickland on the floor. Pereira delivered another huge punch just before the referee intervened to end the match.
The official end time came at 2:36 in the first round.
” I don’t mind what he said in pre-fight interviews. It doesn’t matter to me, it doesn’t take anything personal,” Pereira stated about Strickland. I want to say thank you for your fight with me. It was a solid strategy. It took some time to get the knockout .”
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Afflicting pressure on Pereira, an elite kickboxer did not deter Strickland. He was still trying to build his volume striking game while putting pressure on Pereira. Strickland settled into his normal rhythm, but Pereira was waiting patiently as he worked on his leg kicks and searched for the right opening.
Pereira saw an opportunity midway through round and stepped in to throw Pereira’s left hook. This was the exact same punch that knocked out UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya. It landed on Strickland’s chin.
Much like Adesanya’s knockout, Strickland was defeated by Pereira’s tremendous power. He moved to 3-0 at the UFC and is now ready to fight for the title.
“Many people talk about my two wins over Israel Adesanya but say they’re in kickboxing,” Pereira said. I just defeated the No. 4 I just beat the No. Let’s cheer for Adesanya tonight.”
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