“To do a session with him would be fantastic,” Alex Pereira names Mike Tyson as ‘dream’ training partner

Snubbing current combat sport lineup, Alex Pereira once wished upon a dreamscape training session with boxing legend.

“To do a session with him would be fantastic,” Alex Pereira names Mike Tyson as ‘dream’ training partner

Alex Pereira once wanted to train with Mike Tyson as a preferred coach (Source: Twitter/IMAGO)

Alex Pereira boasts an immaculate 9-2-0 record in pro-MMA. But it is his efficient striking and knockout power that makes him such a dangerous prospect to face off with. Case in point – the light heavyweight champ recently went viral for an incredible blink-and-miss punch. The 2-division and GLORY kickboxing champion was also a 1-0 cruiserweight amateur boxer, with a TKO win Marcelo de Souza Cruz. Hence, it is only natural he has a reverence for the likes of Mike Tyson.

Tyson reigned as the undisputed world heavyweight titleholder (1987-1990). Tyson won his first 19 pro-boxing bouts with KOs (12 in the first round). The 50-6-1 pro boxer has 44 career knockouts; substantially more than Pereira’s 28 which ranged over more than 1 combat sport variant. Speaking on his UFC 291 matchup against Jan Blachowicz, here’s what ‘Poatan’ had to say about training with Tyson (h/t @Blockassetco):

There isn't [anyone to challenge]. But I'd like to train with Mike Tyson...To do a session with him would be fantastic...but no fight just training...Just to be there...
Alex Pereira said
YouTube video

Blockasset Talent Director, Gustavo Firmino hosted Pereira’s UFC 291 bout. In the lead-up, the fighter wished upon ‘Iron Mike’ as a possible coach, during a sitdown. With the first-ever ‘Mke Tyson’ boxing club having opened up in Riyadh, following Riyadh Boxing Season 2023, ‘Poatan’ might just get his wishes. The 205lber himself recently weighed in on his 3-division aspirations for UFC 300. And would thus be ready to prep for it.

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On the other hand, Tyson himself is in rumored talks to return in Saudi Arabia, against heavyweight veteran Fedor Emelianenko. Speculative or not, these only add to the worth of the boxing legend even to this day. Luckily for Pereira, this isn’t where their association halted.

Mike Tyson had an ecstatic reaction to Alex Pereira’s win at UFC 281

Some rivalries are forged to stand the test of time. Alex Pereira vs. Israel Adesanya is one such instance. They faced off four times. The Brazilian beat him twice in the Glory kickboxing promotion. Adesanya made the move to the UFC and had a substantial great run. After 4 title defenses though, he met Pereira in the fifth fight.

The Nigerian-born New Zealander suffered a fifth-round TKO skid to his nemesis at UFC 281 in New York City. Luckily for Pereira, Mike Tyson, whom he has unsullied respect for, was there for it.

Mike Tyson reacted to Alex Pereira's win at UFC 281
Mike Tyson reacted to Alex Pereira’s win at UFC 281 (Source: Twitter/br.UFC.com)

The boxer had one of the best seats in the house at MSG. ‘The Last Stylebender’ was cruising in style, en route to a lopsided victory. But in a shocking turnabout, Pereira caught him off-guard and subjected him to a swarm of strikes in the 5th round. Referee Mark Goddard had to put a stoppage, with the Brazillian bagging the title gold.

With the change in guard and the knockdown, Tyson leapt in his chair with an exclamation. He was behind ringside commentators Joe Rogan, Jon Anik, and Daniel Cormier – and threw his hands up in astonishment.

Head coach Eugene Bareman, from Adesanya’s corner, later compared the toughness of Pereira with the likeness of Tyson himself. He noted:

We understand the magnitude of what we are trying to do. The hardest thing to do in the world is to fight someone like Pereira. For a start, people like Pereira don’t exist. You will fight one or two guys. Maybe if you are lucky. You will find one George Foreman, one Mike Tyson, and One Alex Pereira.
Eugene Bareman said

Adesanya’s corner undoubtedly held Pereira in high regard, and rightfully so. Consequently, so does Pereira for Tyson. Only time will tell if a more pronounced association between them ever takes place.

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