Pereira: "It was one of my toughest fights"

The Brazilian knocked out the American in the fourth round, defending his title for the third time.

"I can say it was one of my toughest fights. I was expecting it. Today Khalil showed that he is very good. We saw that Du Plessis will fight Strickland. Shawn is my gym partner and I don't want to get in his way. I could move up to heavyweight, but the welterweight division is great too. It feels great to be on a takedown," Pereira stated after the fight.