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 Poatan also allows himself to engage in some serious striking exchanges at the gym. Perhaps even more impressively, Sean Strickland also shows himself willing to accept a Max Holloway- style sparring session in the final ten seconds. The video surfaced on social media this week and caught the attention of sports fans.

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Right after finishing their sparring session , the two casually discussed the chaotic way the training had 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, incidentally, become the first fighter to defeat Khamzat Chimaev , the Brazilian could make history and become the first triple champion in Ultimate history if he defeats Ciryl Gane at the White House.

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

Poatan has already beaten Strickland in the UFC.

A. Poatan (left) defeated S. Strickland (right) at 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 in the middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg) in search of a fight with Israel Adesanya . Without much difficulty, the São Paulo native knocked out the American in the first round with his trademark left hook.

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