Alex Pereira and Anthony Smith went from heated rivals, to frenemies, to best buds.
Ahead of his light heavyweight title defense against Khalil Rountree Jr. atop the UFC 307 pay-per-view (PPV) fight card this weekend in Salt Lake City, Pereira sat down with Smith to exchange pleasantries for ESPN MMA.
“I am thankful to you for reaching out,” Pereira told Smith. “Ever since you spoke to [coach] Glover [Teixeira], I don’t think there is any malice, there’s no bitterness about the back and forth that we had. Today, I’m much better. I feel really good.”
I’m sure it helps that Smith has dropped four of his last six and is no longer in a position to be talking about potential title shots — and championship callouts.
“Some people can’t imagine it because sometimes we talk a little bit of trash on the internet or even because of a rivalry,” Pereira said. “Even with people that I’ve already fought, I always try to bring close to me because I’m a guy who’s evolving. I think these people can help me and I make the most of it.”
Like former opponent Sean Strickland.
Smith, who returns against Dominick Reyes at UFC 310 in December, blamed “stupid fans” for taking his comments out of context. Not surprisingly, they remain unconvinced by the friendly interaction, insisting (in jest) that Pereira is “still scared” of “Lionheart.”
For much more on Pereira’s battle against Rountree Jr. at UFC 307 click here.
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To check out the latest and greatest UFC 307: “Pereira vs. Rountree Jr.” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here. For the updated and finalized UFC 307 fight card and ESPN+ lineup click here.