Tensions nearly boiled over between Alex Pereira and Jamahal Hill as both light heavyweights trained at the UFC Performance Institute this week.
UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira and former titleholder Jamahal Hill used to be strictly competitive. But in recent months, things have escalated between the two sides after exchanging barbs on social media, almost turning physical before coaches intervened.
Pereira, who defended the UFC light heavyweight title at UFC 307 in October, is preparing for his next title defense next year. He will likely face Magomed Ankalaev, who has been undefeated for a long time and has been bullying superstar Pereira for months.
Hill has the opportunity to potentially skip the line when he faces Jiří Procházka at UFC 311 next month. An impressive performance, especially a finish, could be enough to warrant a rematch against Pereira.
Since their UFC 300 clash, tensions have increased between Pereira and Hill. After Hill was caught yawning in response to Pereira's finish at UFC 307, Pereira hit back by reminding Hill of their first go-around in the Octagon.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Alex Pereira and Jamahal Hill split at UFC PI after Pereira threw gloves
While both fighters were getting some work done at the UFC Performance Institute, a verbal altercation almost turned physical when Pereira threw a pair of gloves at Hill. Despite Pereira challenging Hill to an impromptu fight, Pereira's coach intervened and separated them before chaos ensued.
In the clip below, shared by Full Send MMA, Pereira can be seen working the mats as Hill walks over for a quick chat. Although things initially seemed relatively innocent, Pereira and Hill almost threw hands at the UFC PI in Las Vegas.
At the time of writing, Pereira and Hill have spoken out on social media since the incident. Following the altercation, UFC security staff will likely have to keep a close eye on Pereira and Hill and ensure they are not in the same vicinity in the future.
Interestingly, Pereira and Hill shared a cordial meeting at the UFC PI just five months ago, but any friendship has disappeared.
Could Alex Pereira vs. Jamahal Hill 2 be on the horizon?
After Pereira finished Hill at UFC 300, Hill threatened to make Pereira pay for his viral post-fight celebration inside the Octagon. Hill has not fought since losing to Pereira due to injury, while Pereira has defended his title against Procházka and Khalil Rountree Jr.
Hill earned the then-vacant UFC light heavyweight title by finishing Glover Teixeira at UFC 283. Just months later, he suffered a significant injury that forced him to vacate the title, which was later won by Pereira at UFC 295.
After the recent showdown between Pereira and Hill at the UFC PI, the promotion could opt for other plans regarding the next light heavyweight title fight. Regardless of what comes next, don't expect Pereira and Hill to break bread anytime soon.
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