UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis has responded with amusement to the news that Alex Pereira will be in Sean Strickland’s corner at UFC 312 in Sydney next weekend.
In a recent interview with CBS’s Shakiel Mahjouri, the South African champion couldn’t help but laugh at the situation, particularly highlighting the communication challenges between Strickland and Pereira.
” I mean, they don’t even speak the same language. It doesn’t really make much of a difference if he is or not. Strickland could barely understand his own coach who’s also American. How is he going to understand Alex Pereira?” du Plessis said.
When asked how Pereira’s advice would benefit Strickland despite the language barrier, du Plessis bluntly responded: “It doesn’t.”
The upcoming bout is a rematch of their January 2024 clash at UFC 297, where du Plessis claimed the middleweight title via split decision in what was deemed ‘Fight of the Night.’ Since then, du Plessis has successfully defended his belt against Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 with a submission victory.
Strickland, who disputed the decision in their first encounter, earned his way back to title contention with a split decision victory over Paulo Costa at UFC 302.
Interestingly, Pereira and Strickland have their own history, with Pereira securing a first-round knockout victory over Strickland in 2022. Since then, the two have developed a friendship and now train together regularly, despite their language barrier.
The championship rematch between du Plessis (22-2) and Strickland (29-6) will headline UFC 312, with du Plessis looking to prove his first victory was no fluke, while Strickland aims to reclaim the title with help from his unexpected cornerman.
