Daniel Cormier warns Alex Pereira risks UFC 313 focus by cornering Strickland
Pereira’s Risky UFC Move
The UFC is no stranger to drama, bold moves, and moments that make us double-take. But what Alex Pereira did heading into UFC 312 might just rank as one of the boldestand potentially most dangerousdecisions in recent memory. As fans tuned in for the latest saga inside the Octagon, many couldn’t help but ask: What in the world is Pereira thinking?
The Setup: Cornering Sean Strickland
At UFC 312, Alex Pereira, a former champion and one of the most fearsome strikers in MMA history, stepped into uncharted territorynot to fight, but to coach and corner Sean Strickland, the reigning middleweight king. Strickland, facing the always-tough Jared Cannonier, had the unusual presence of Pereira, his *former rival turned coach*, in his corner. Yes, you read that right.
Pereira and Strickland’s shared history needs no introduction. Remember UFC 276? Pereira delivered a vicious left hook that sent Strickland to the canvas in their highly anticipated clash. That highlight reel knockout was a defining moment that propelled Pereira toward UFC gold. Fast-forward to 2025, and the two are joined at the hip in a *partnership that feels more Shakespearean tragedy than buddy comedy.*
So, what’s behind this bizarre dynamic? And more importantly, is it worth the potential risks Pereira is taking?
The Risk Factor
Coaching your old rival isn’t just rareit’s practically unheard of at this level of combat sports. For Pereira, a man whose stoic demeanor masks killer instincts, the decision comes with a laundry list of potential pitfalls.
- Conflict of Interest: With Pereira eyeing a return to the middleweight division, it’s not far-fetched to assume his path could cross with Strickland again. Would cornering Strickland give him deeper insight into the champion’s vulnerabilitiesor vice-versa?
- Reputation on the Line: Pereira is known for his unflinching dominance inside the cage. What happens if Strickland loses badly with Pereira in his corner? It’s a blow to both credibility and optics.
- Style Differences: Strickland and Pereira couldn’t be more different in their fighting approaches. Strickland prides himself on precision, volume striking, and relentless pressure, while Pereira relies on sheer power and devastating finishing ability. Can such differing philosophies merge in a fruitful coach-student relationship?
Simply put, Pereira’s move is a gamble. It has the potential to either cement his reputation as a *mastermind of MMA strategy* or leave fans questioning his decision-making skills moving forward.
Why Take the Risk?
For starters, Pereira isn’t the kind of fighteror human being, for that matterwho shies away from danger. The man thrives on challenges. This is, after all, the same athlete who moved up from middleweight to light heavyweightand succeeded. Cornering Strickland could signify his desire to broaden his horizons, not just as a fighter but as a martial artist who understands every nuance of the game.
Additionally, it speaks volumes about the respect these two fighters have for each other. Despite the UFC 276 knockout, Strickland saw enough value in Pereira’s expertise to bring him into his corner. And Pereira accepted, which perhaps indicates he believes in Strickland’s potentialor at least sees value in learning right alongside him.
From Strickland’s perspective, having Pereira in his corner offers something unique: insider knowledge. Pereira knows Cannonier well. Having fought Jared himself, Pereira can provide Strickland with critical insights and a roadmap to handle “The Killa Gorilla.” Their unlikely partnership could turn out to be a genius move.
The Impact on UFC Fans
This decision isn’t just altering the dynamic between Pereira and Stricklandit’s reshaping how fans view the sport. MMA has always been about rivalries, entertainment, and personal feuds. But this shows another layer: collaboration, respect, and even a sense of camaraderie between warriors. It’s a breath of fresh air amid the constant trash talk and staged theatrics.
For long-time fans of MMA, this is the kind of storyline that hooks you and makes you question everything you thought you knew about the game. Will Pereira unveil *next-level* strategy as a coach? Will Strickland thrive under Pereira’s guidance? Or will it implode spectacularly, leaving us all to point fingers at who made the bad call? Either way, it’s a win for the fans, who get another layer of drama leading up to an already stacked card.
The Bigger Picture
Win, lose, or draw, Pereira’s decision will have ripple effects. If Strickland wins and retains his title, Pereira’s reputation as an MMA tactician skyrockets, bolstering his legacy even further. On the flip side, a Strickland loss or lackluster performance could cast doubt over the wisdom of Pereira’s move.
Moreover, it adds intrigue to what’s next for Pereira. A successful stint as a corner coach could open the door for a future in coachingsomething fans might not have had on their bingo cards for the Brazilian knockout artist. Conversely, a reunion with Strickland in the Octagon could have even more layers of drama now that they’ve shared this unusual bond.
Final Verdict
At the end of the day, Alex Pereira’s decision to corner Sean Strickland is as risky as it is fascinating. It’s not just another quirky storyline in UFC history; it’s a move that could significantly alter the trajectories of both fighters involved. For Pereira, it’s a dangerous gamble, but if there’s anyone equipped to handle high-stakes situations, it’s him.
Whether this audacious play pays off or backfires, there’s one thing we know for sure: Pereira isn’t just fighting; he’s playing chess while others are still learning checkers. And for that, we tip our hats to the warrior who dares to blur the lines between rivals and allies in the unpredictable world of mixed martial arts.