Forward of his return to motion this weekend in a lightweight heavyweight title battle at UFC 307, defending star, Alex Pereira has squashed his long-standing beef with former title challenger, Anthony Smith forward of his conflict in Salt Lake Metropolis — claiming there may be “no malice” between the duo.
Pereira, a former undisputed middleweight kingpin and the present gentle heavyweight titleholder, has been sidelined since he took headlining honors on quick discover at UFC 303 again in June, touchdown a second spherical high-kick knockout win over former two-time foe and ex-champion, Jiri Prochazka.
As for Smith, the Nebraska veteran most lately took on Roman Dolidze on that very same Worldwide Battle Week card, seeking a title battle with Pereira, earlier than dropping a choice loss to the Georgian.
Alex Pereira and Anthony Smith squash long-standing beef forward of UFC 307 title battle return
Nevertheless, admitting his championship chase within the gentle heavyweight ranks is probably going now over, Smith — who shared the Octagon with Pereira’s incoming-foe, Khalil Rountree again in December of final 12 months, sat down with the Brazilian for a cordial chat this week in Utah.
“Effectively, thanks for doing this and doing a sit-down with me,” Anthony Smith advised Alex Pereira throughout an interview with ESPN. “Apart from the aggressive rivalry with no matter it was earlier than, I’ve a variety of respect for you. I’m a giant fan of your sport, I like watching you battle, better of luck right here in Salt Lake Metropolis and I actually admire you and your entire staff.”
“I’m grateful to you for reaching out,” Alex Pereira advised Anthony Smith. “Ever because you spoke to Glover (Teixeira), I don’t assume there may be any malice, there’s no bitterness concerning the back-and-forths that we had. At the moment, I’m a lot better. I really feel good. Chama.”
