Alex Pereira isn’t happy with the UFC right now and that could mean he doesn’t fight again soon. If ever.
On Wednesday, the former two-division champion shared a cryptic message to social media in which he spoke of an apparent disagreement with the UFC. Pereira didn’t specify exactly what his issue is with the promotion, writing only, “I always answered the UFC’s calls, but if they want to play with me, we can do that. I’ve never spoken poorly of the UFC but with what I’ve just heard I’m disheartened.”
The 37-year-old added, “I’ve already had thoughts of not fighting anymore, and after what was just relayed to me this may be the start.”
It’s unclear exactly what prompted the timing and tone of Pereira’s tweet. “Poatan” lost his light heayvweight title to Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 this past March and fans are yet to hear any fight news regarding Pereira’s next move. An immediate rematch has been discussed, but no announcements have been made.
Prior to the loss to Ankalaev, Pereira was tied to a potential superfight with UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones. Middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis also expressed interest in moving up to 205 pounds to challenge Pereira.
Over the past three years, Pereira has become one of the UFC’s most popular and reliable stars. He committed fully to MMA in 2021 after an illustrious kickboxing career and then chased down longtime rival Israel Adesanya to take his middleweight title at UFC 281. After losing a rematch to Adesanya, Pereira moved up to light heavyweight where he captured a second title and recorded three straight title defenses during a memorable 2024 campaign.
It is not known if Pereira’s issues with the UFC stem from opponent options, timing for his next fight, a pay dispute, or something else entirely.
For sure, a big pay raise will usually solve the problem.
If anyone ever deserved an immediate rematch. It’s Pereira. Just look at all the cards he’s saved, and all the fights he has taken in the last few years.
UFC stars have the shelf life of a pop music star these days.
Danbury CT is Glover town . I lived there
Probably what they’re balking at. Let’s be honest I feel the UFC needs him right now. They have no star power.
Now he says he was hacked
He is their biggest star imo. He deserves whatever he is asking for. The UFC continues the downward spiral of promoting very few recognizable fighters on mediocre fight cards. All in the name of profit!
But hey, check out all the celebrities in the crowd!
Did you guys know that’s not Shaggy’s real voice and just something he did for that song and it caught on, so he has to keep it up like Larry the Cable Guy?
