VIDEO: Alex Poatan engages in a fierce exchange of blows with former champion during training; watch

Poatan faces his opponent before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

Despite being one of the greatest knockout artists in MMA history, Alex Poatán It also allows for moments of frank exchange in the gym. Perhaps even more impressively, Sean Strickland He also shows himself willing to accept a confrontation à la Max Holloway The video surfaced on social media this week, capturing the attention of sports fans, during the final ten seconds of a sparring session.

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Right after they finished the session of sparringThe two casually discussed the chaotic way the training session ended. Laughing, Strickland commented on the thoughts he had during the final exchange of blows.

“He made me lower my hand. At that moment, I said, 'No, man, it's over for us,'” the former champion said jokingly.

Sean Strickland's reaction to sparring heavyweight Alex Pereira today 🤣

"He got me to drop my hand. At that moment, I said nah dude, we're done." pic.twitter.com/u51IDOY2u2

— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) March 25, 2026

The two athletes will have very important duels in the coming months. While the American seeks to regain the middleweight belt (up to 83,9 kg) and, as a bonus, become the first fighter to win Khamzat ShimaevThe Brazilian could make history and become the first triple champion in Ultimate history if he wins. Cyryl Gane at the White House.

Alex Poatán for Strickland's corner in the main fight of the UFC 312. Photo: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Poatan has already beaten Strickland in the UFC.

A. Poatan (left) surpassed S. Strickland (right) in the UFC 276. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc

Despite having a good dynamic as occasional training partners, their paths crossed for the first time inside the octagon in July 2022. At the time, Poatan was climbing the rankings of the middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg) in search of a fight with... Israel adesanyaWithout much difficulty, the fighter from São Paulo knocked out the American in the first round with his trademark left hook.