It appears there’s an intriguing challenge brewing between Alex Pereira and Anthony Smith, with Pereira proposing a $50,000 grappling competition to test their skills outside the octagon.
Pereira, known for his accomplishments in kickboxing and recent success in the UFC, aims to dispel doubts about his grappling abilities raised by analysts like Daniel Cormier and Anthony Smith himself.
The proposed challenge involves Smith attempting to submit Pereira from his back with hooks in place within a five-minute timeframe. If Smith fails to submit Pereira, he will owe Pereira $50,000.
This challenge highlights the competitive spirit and desire of both fighters to settle their rivalry and showcase their skills in a unique setting. Pereira’s confidence in his abilities and willingness to step outside his comfort zone by challenging Smith to a grappling contest adds an intriguing dynamic to their ongoing feud.
Meanwhile, Anthony Smith is focused on his upcoming bout at UFC 301 against Vitor Petrino in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. With recent losses in his record, Smith is determined to bounce back and silence critics by securing a victory over Petrino and potentially positioning himself for a future showdown with Pereira.
Alex Pereira challenges Anthony Smith to a grappling match with $50K on the line 😳
🎥 IG / @connect_cast #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/MZCKwO3kNz
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 4, 2024
The outcome of Smith’s fight against Petrino will likely influence the trajectory of his career and set the stage for future matchups, including the possibility of accepting Pereira’s grappling challenge. Fans can anticipate an exciting buildup as both fighters continue to pursue their respective goals inside and outside the octagon.
