Former UFC -light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira's social media was all a list from his control.
UFC-Superster Alex Pereira's turnout In the Octagon, Abrupt Stop came on UFC 313, thanks to newly crowned light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev. While speculation is whitening about a possible rematch between Pereira and Ankalaev, the former title holder is at odds with UFC CEO Dana White and the matchmakers.
Pereira dropped the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship against Ankalaev in March on UFC 313 and lost a unanimous decision in a shocking conclusion of his title line. Before the loss for Ankalaev, Pereira earned 'Fighter of the Year' consideration for three successful title defenses in 2024, all of whom ended by TKO.
But after helping the UFC with various Short-notice bookings in 2024, Pereira is looking forward to an immediate rematch with Ankalaev, although things took a bizarre turn this week.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Alex Pereira issues a statement after social media Rant Rocks UFC 315 Fight Week
Almost immediately after UFC 313, Ankalaev and Pereira Verbaal agreed to let it return later in 2025. The two parties focused on a fast second showdown in August for the rumors of the UFC in Chicago.
Only a handful of fighting in his MMA career, Pereira set countless UFC records and became one of the biggest stars in combat sports. But after having had his first loss on light weight, Pereira is not happy with how business transactions have taken place between his team and UFC leadership.
If things do not improve, Pereira says that he is ready to retire instead of returning to the Octagon.
In a cryptic post on X Pereira hinted in tense relationships with the UFC that could influence an immediate rematch with Ankalaev.
“I have always answered the calls of the UFC, but if they want to play with me, we can do that,” Pereira posted on Wednesday.
“I have never spoken badly about the UFC, but with what I have just heard, I am discouraged.
“I have already had thoughts not to fight anymore, and after what had just been passed on to me, this can be the beginning.”
Pereira's post immediately ran the heads while the UFC is preparing this weekend for another Pay-per-view card in Montreal. But apparently the post is not made by the former light heavyweight champion.
In a recent statement Pereira assured, followers are that the relationships with the UFC remain intact and that social media were hacked.
“I don't even know what's going on, I have a great relationship with the UFC,” said Pereira in a recent message in his Instagram story.
Only a few weeks ago, Ankalaev publicly asked Pereira if he still wants to compete, which hints for a 'feeling' the former title holder tended to retirement. Ankalaev's tweet was not taken seriously by fans, experts and fellow hunters, although the social media hack of Pereira who housed claims.
Alex Pereira focuses his attention on light heavyweight comeback
The 37-year-old Pereira was linked to a potential superfight with UFC Heavyweight Champion Jones before he fell to Ankalaev on UFC 313. Jones and interim title holder Tom Aspinall are in active negotiations with the UFC to unite the belts later this year, although no announcement was made regarding the fight.
After UFC 313, Pereira expressed frustration about the scorecards of the jury members, so that he felt robbed of a successful light heavyweight title defense against Ankalaev. Last year he played Khalil Rountree Jr., Jamahal Hill and Jiri PrOCHAZKA to start one of the most dominant title rules in a light heavyweight history.
After the short fear, Pereira will earn an immediate rematch against Ankalaev later this year.