"He's moving down to bantamweight to KO Merab" - Fans react as Alex Pereira releases sparring footage with UFC flyweight Ronaldo Rodriguez

MMA fans have been reacting to Alex Pereira's latest sparring footage, which shows the Brazilian trading blows with new UFC flyweight Ronaldo Rodriguez.

Despite not having a bout lined up, 'Poatan' is known to always remain in fighting shape. He is regularly pictured training in the gym and based on his activity over the years, it appears that he's ready to accept a fight at any given moment.

In the clip, Pereira is sparring hard against Rodriguez, consistently landing his signature against the fighter six weight classes below him. 'Lazy Boy' is considered to be an upcoming talent at men's flyweight, having won both of his bouts in the promotion this year.

Watch the clip courtesy of MMA Orbit on X below:

Fans reacted to the clip, that was originally shared to Alex Pereira's Instagram story. One fan then joked if Pereira was planning on stepping down divisions in order to face Merab Dvalishvili. They wrote:

"He's moving down to bantamweight, to KO merab!"

Another fan wrote:

"Alex looks like a friggin video game boss in this."

One fan added:

"Love footage of David and Goliath sparring prior to a biblical battle"

Another fan said:

"YES HE'S MOVING DOWN TO 135 TO KO BAUTISTA AND MERAB FOR ALDO"

Another noted:

"Yo Alex looks like he’s sparring his neighbors 6th grade son💀"

Another fan added:

"Looks like Alex is sparring a toddler & giving him 2%😂"

Check out more reactions here:

More fan reactions

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Israel Adesanya offers Alex Pereira advice before his next opponent is decided at UFC 308

Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira's rivalry appears to be over for now, after 'The Last Stylebender' recently opted to offer some friendly advise to the Brazilian.

At UFC 308 this weekend, Magomedov Ankalaev will face Aleksandar Rakic in what is believed to be a No.1 contender bout. The winner is then expected to face Pereira in early 2025 for the light heavyweight title.

Adesanya then offered his take on the situation during a recent UFC 308 breakdown on his YouTube channel. Whilst discussing the upcoming 205-pound clash, the Nigerian-New Zealander had some advice for his former foe. He said:

"If [Ankalaev] beats [Rakic], yeah, who else is there for Alex to fight? He should fight Alex next. But Alex should just chill. Advise, he doesn't need it but he should just chill. He's just been going and going, and right now, 'cause he's the most active fighter right now, the most active champ right now. So he should just relax and probably fight early next year."

Check out Israel Adesanya's advise to Alex Pereira here (5:08):