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Ahead of their UFC 276 middleweight clash, Shawn Strickland suggested he might abandon his striking tendencies against Alex Pereira, a very accomplished kickboxer. Strickland didn’t execute this proposed game plan and paid a heavy price, getting knocked out in the first round.
Strickland stuck to his standard style, standing tall and stiff and trying to move forward. This was not advisable against a striker of Pereira’s quality. The Brazilian just waited patiently as he landed kicks to the body and lead leg of Strickland.
Strickland never budged from his approach, continuing to move forward like a buzzer-beater. As kicks to Strickland’s calf seemed to backfire, Pereira went to his hands, landing a big left hook that sent Strickland to the canvas. As Strickland tried to get back to his feet, he ate another right hand and crashed to the canvas for a second time, this time having to step in and stop the action.
Pereira is already in the mix for a potential title fight. He has two wins over UFC middleweight king Israel Adesanya in the kickboxing ring, including a brutal knockout.
If Adesanya can retain his title against Jared Cannonier in the main event of UFC 276, he could see his old kickboxing rival in the Octagon.
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