It is fair to say that Alex Pereira is destined for big things in the UFC.Alex Pereira faced his toughest test yet when he stepped in against Sean Strickland at UFC 276.After losing on his professional debut, the Brazilian went on to win his next three bouts before earning an illustrious contract with the UFC.On his promotional debut, Pereira lit up Madison Square Garden with a second-round TKO victory over Andreas Michailidis.In his second outing, Pereira would go on to cruise to a unanimous decision victory against Bruno Silva back in March of 2022.Fans were starting to believe that he could be the man to dethrone Israel Adesanya.The pair have already encountered in the kickboxing scene, with Pereira winning the two meetings, including a knockout victory over the middleweight champion.LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 02: Alex Pereira (L) of Brazil knocks out Sean Strickland in the first round of their middleweight bout during UFC 276 at T-Mobile Arena on July 02, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)However, the Brazilian was still unranked and needed to work his way up the ladder.With no one in the top 15 wanting to step in the ring with Pereira, Strickland was the man to give Pereira a shot at entering the top 10.The winner of the fight was undoubtedly going to be next in line for a chance to compete for the middleweight strap.From the off, Strickland was the one dictating the proceedings and was trying to keep Pereira back peddling. 

For a fighter like Strickland, that is the worst thing you can do against Pereira.

Eventually, just over two minutes into the first round, Pereira landed a sensational left hook to knock Strickland out.

The slow-motion replay showed that the Brazilian landed clean on the chin of Strickland.

Pereira’s left hook is arguably one of his best weapons and has put many fighters away throughout his career with that punch.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 02: Alex Pereira of Brazil reacts after knocking out Sean Strickland in the first round of their middleweight bout during UFC 276 at T-Mobile Arena on July 02, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

Following an impressive highlight-reel knockout over the number four ranked contender in Strickland, Pereira will now fight Adesanya next.

In the main event, Adesanya put on a striking clinic to earn a decision victory over Jared Cannonier.

With the pair having a bit of history, it is now the perfect time to make Adesanya vs Pereira for the middleweight title and a chance to claim the bragging rights in the heated rivalry.