Dricus Du Plessis believes that Sean Strickland's plan to stimulate his corner with Alex Pereira could be counterproductive next week.
The middleweight world champion defends his belt on UFC 312 against Strickland, of whom he won it in January last year. Their first fight was a split decision of the razor and the American took everything out of the closet that prepares for the Rematch.
After he had solved his place as the number one competition with a victory over Paulo Costa at UFC 302 last June, he refused to fight again until he got a shot on gold. And he has set up in former middleweight champion and current light-heavyweight title holder Pereira to help in his corner.
Sean Strickland concepts in Alex Pereira to the corner at UFC 312
Since their fight in July 2022, Sean Strickland and Alex Pereira have become good friends and training partners with various intervals. Pereira won that fight through a brutal knockout and has since played a role in adding the striking game of Strickland.
Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty images
And now the enigmatic light-heavyweight champion will join his former enemy corner for the greatest fight of his career. An issue that has emerged is that Pereira does not speak English famous and may not be able to communicate his thoughts through coach Eric Nicksick.
There are also questions about whether or not it is wise for Pereira, who fights in Las Vegas five weeks later to travel the world for what is essentially a publicity stunt. He will be confronted with Magomed Ankalaev on UFC 313 on 8 March and should now collect the camp.
Sean Strickland warned Alex Pereira Stunt 'Won't Work' against Dricus du Plessis
For his part, Dricus Du Plessis is not worried about what Pereira will bring to the corner. During an interview with CBS Sport, he joked that the Brazilian was already in his last corner and noticed that Strickland is struggling to understand English at the best time, let alone Portuguese.
“He was also in the corner in the first fight,” Du Plessis explained when he was asked about the impact that Pereira will have on the fight. “I mean, they don't even speak the same language. It doesn't really make much difference if he is or not.
“Strickland could hardly understand his own coach who is also American. How is he going to understand Alex Pereira? “Asked if it works in favor of Strickland to have such a name in the corner, Du Plessis replied:” It doesn't. “
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