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

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.

There are also concerns that Pereira could lose some of his speed and explosiveness while carrying additional weight at heavyweight level.

That concern becomes even more relevant because interim title opponent Ciryl Gane is widely considered one of the quickest and most agile heavyweights currently competing in the UFC.