Has Demsey McKean trained with Alex Pereira? Looking at Australian boxer's connection to 'Poatan' ahead of Moses Itauma clash

Australian pugilist Demsey McKean is viewed as a fearsome contender in the heavyweight division and is no stranger to UFC superstar Alex Pereira. McKean is currently booked to face Moses Itauma in a much-awaited showdown, which will transpire on the undercard of the Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury rematch on Dec. 21, 2024.

It's considered to be a pivotal fight for both McKean and Itauma, as the winner would likely receive a considerable boost on their quest to become a world champion while the loser's momentum would take a huge hit. Today, we take a look at McKean's connection with Pereira, with the duo being a much-discussed topic earlier this year.

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Has Demsey McKean trained with Alex Pereira?

Yes, Demsey McKean has indeed trained with kickboxing veteran and MMA great Alex Pereira. As reported by Australian outlet, CODE Sports, McKean later opened up about their boxing-centric sparring session and praised 'Poatan.' 'Tower of Terror' alluded to footage featuring their sparring session and interactions being posted to Pereira's official YouTube channel.

Apparently, Pereira's coach suggested that the UFC light heavyweight kingpin broke his nose. McKean cleared the air on the same, suggesting that his nose had suffered damage in the past and that it wasn't broken by the MMA fighter. Nevertheless, he did acknowledge Pereira's power, unconventional striking techniques, and fitness.

Intriguingly, their sparring session came about at a time when Pereira was busy doing seminars and making other public appearances as a part of his schedule. Combat sports megastar Conor McGregor was booked to fight Michael Chandler at UFC 303 on June 29, 2024. However, McGregor was ruled out due to a toe injury, and Pereira agreed to save the card by stepping in on short notice.

The Brazilian faced former UFC light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka in a rematch, which headlined UFC 303. Pereira ended up beating Prochazka via second-round TKO, akin to their first fight.

Incidentally, 'Poatan' has often prepared by sparring against heavyweight boxers, including the likes of Zhilei Zhang. Well, he sparred with Demsey McKean as a part of his preparations for the Prochazka rematch. McKean correctly predicted his victory:

"I think he gets the knockout. I think it'll be a good fight, but I think he knocks Jiri out."

Check out their sparring session below:

Alex Pereira has since defended his UFC light heavyweight belt with a fourth-round TKO victory against Khalil Rountree Jr. in Oct. 2024. Pereira (12-2 MMA, 1-0 boxing, 33-7 kickboxing) is an ex-Glory kickboxing middleweight and light heavyweight champion and a former UFC middleweight champion. He's likely to defend his UFC light heavyweight belt against Magomed Ankalaev next.

Meanwhile, Demsey McKean's most recent fight was a 12th-round TKO defeat against Filip Hrgovic in Aug. 2023. It marked the Australian's first pro boxing defeat. The 6'6" boxer, who made waves for towering over the hulking 6'4" Pereira, has vowed to return to his winning ways.

Furthermore, back in June, McKean (22-1 boxing, 2-1 MMA) notably expressed his respect for Pereira with an Instagram post, featuring a statement that read:

"Good to get some rounds in with Po Atan @alexpoatanpereira before he heads back to NY to finish his prep"

Check out the photos and videos posted by Demsey McKean in his Instagram post below: