Sean Strickland has candidly revealed the reasons behind his aversion to sparring with Alex Pereira, especially after footage surfaced showing the Brazilian still landing his powerful left hand with ease.

Since their dramatic encounter at UFC 276 on July 2, 2022, where Pereira emerged victorious, the two fighters have forged a friendship and have been helping each other prepare for their respective bouts. This Saturday, Pereira is set to defend his light heavyweight title against Khalil Rountree at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, and he has brought in Strickland for some tough sparring sessions to ensure he’s fight-ready.

In a recent YouTube video posted by Pereira, Strickland gave a glimpse into what it’s like to train with him. Reflecting on their past fight, Strickland humorously stated, “We’re going to be banging today. It’s going to be fun, a little scary; keep the left hand up.” This comment referenced the knockout he suffered from Pereira’s lethal left hook, which sent him crashing to the canvas.

As the video showcased clips of their sparring session, it became evident that Pereira’s left hook remains a significant threat. Strickland joked, “I don’t wanna spar you today, bro,” acknowledging the power behind Pereira’s punches.

After the sparring session, Strickland was surprisingly introspective, stating, “I feel like I did really well with it, but he would’ve knocked me out right there. That’s why I hate sparring with him, bro; when I feel like I’m doing good and like I’m maybe winning the round, he just hits me with some s**t.”

In addition to discussing his sparring experiences, Strickland has also been open about his thought process during their previous fight. Known for his honesty, he provides an insightful look into his mental state, from the moments before the left hook landed to the immediate aftermath of the impactful shot, shedding light on the intensity of high-level MMA competition.