Sean Strickland picks tougher sparring partner between Alex Pereira and Francis Ngannou

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Sean Strickland has trained with several dangerous fighters throughout his UFC career while preparing for major championship bouts.

For instance, the former middleweight champion sparred both ex-UFC heavyweight champ Francis Ngannou and Alex Pereira, who recently vacated the light heavyweight title before officially moving to heavyweight.

Ahead of UFC 328 this Saturday, Strickland was asked during a press conference which fighter represented the tougher sparring challenge between the two devastating knockout artists.

Sean Strickland says Alex Pereira is tougher than Francis Ngannou in training

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Strickland admitted the comparison was difficult before ultimately explaining why he believes Pereira creates more problems inside sparring sessions despite Ngannou’s incredible natural power.

The 35-year-old American said: “That’s a hard one, dude. Alex [is the tougher sparring partner], and this is why Alex is going to excel so much in the heavyweights, because heavyweights are f—— heavyweights.

“Alex isn’t a heavyweight. Alex is a 205 lbs fighter with a heavyweight build that could be heavyweight and that’s why he’s going to succeed so much, because you’re fighting in lower competition. You’re faster, you hit harder,” Strickland added.

Sean Strickland’s stance goes against common heavyweight belief

Strickland’s comments run opposite to what many fighters and analysts usually believe regarding athletes moving from lighter divisions into heavyweight competition.

Natural heavyweights are often viewed as having a major advantage because they have spent their entire careers competing with larger body frames and natural physical strength.