the reason behind Alex Pereira’s “hatred” for Dricus Du Plessis ahead of UFC 312
The UFC middleweight division is heating up as Alex Pereira and Dricus Du Plessis find themselves entangled in an unexpected rivalry ahead of UFC 312. While the two fighters are not directly scheduled to face each other at the upcoming event, recent comments from fellow UFC contender Sean Strickland have reignited speculation about the tension between them.
Sean Strickland’s Shocking Revelation
During UFC 312 fight week, Sean Strickland made a bold claim that Alex Pereira harbors intense animosity towards Dricus Du Plessis. Speaking to the media, Strickland stated, “I think Alex is an angry guy. Like, Alex is angry, and for some reason, man, he hates Dricus. Like, I don’t know what you did to him, but he hates you, man.” This surprising revelation has left fans and analysts speculating about the true nature of Pereira’s feelings towards the South African fighter.
While Strickland’s comments were initially brushed off as typical fight-week banter, they seem to hold weight given the history between Pereira and Du Plessis. The rivalry may have deeper roots than previously thought, stemming from an incident that occurred last year when Pereira considered a return to the middleweight division.
The Incident That Sparked the Rivalry
Former UFC fighter turned analyst Chael Sonnen recently shed light on what might have triggered Pereira’s frustration with Du Plessis. According to Sonnen, the tension dates back to a time when Alex Pereira expressed interest in cutting back down to 185 pounds for one final middleweight bout. However, Dricus Du Plessis immediately dismissed the idea, stating, “You don’t need to cut weight… I’ll move up to 205 pounds.”
This response, while seemingly respectful, may have been perceived as a challenge to Pereira’s authority. Sonnen recalled, “Dricus said, ‘Okay, don’t do that. I’ll move up to 205 pounds… we’ll do this for your belt.’ At the time, it seemed like just words. It didn’t seem realistic that Alex Pereira, who had bulked up to 205 pounds, would suddenly cut down again. But he was serious about it.”
Pereira’s Perspective on the Feud
For Alex Pereira, a warrior known for his calculated demeanor, Dricus Du Plessis’ dismissive attitude may have been interpreted as a lack of respect. Pereira, who has already cemented his legacy in multiple weight classes, likely saw Du Plessis’ challenge as an undermining move rather than a respectful offer.
With Pereira’s reputation as a fierce competitor, the idea of someone dictating the terms of a potential fight might not have sat well with him. It is possible that Pereira felt that Du Plessis’ remarks were an attempt to control the narrative, rather than letting him make the decisions on his career.
What This Means for UFC 312 and Beyond
Although Pereira and Du Plessis are not currently set to clash at UFC 312, the growing tension between them adds an intriguing subplot to the event. Du Plessis is focused on his title fight, but if he emerges victorious, a potential showdown with Pereira could be on the horizon.
Should Dricus Du Plessis secure a win, the UFC might be looking at a blockbuster bout between him and Alex Pereira in the near future. With Pereira’s disdain for Du Plessis now making headlines, the rivalry is becoming impossible to ignore.
Conclusion: A Rivalry Worth Watching
Whether or not Alex Pereira’s “hatred” for Dricus Du Plessis is exaggerated, there is no denying that tension exists. The incident regarding the weight class switch has only fueled speculation, and with UFC 312 on the horizon, all eyes will be on how these fighters carry themselves leading up to and beyond the event.
