Former UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has responded to Joe Rogan`s statements suggesting that Pereira was not in optimal condition heading into UFC 313.
Pereira`s reign as UFC light heavyweight champion ended with a unanimous decision loss to Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313. This defeat came after Pereira had successfully defended his title three times in 2024, marking his first loss in the light heavyweight division and breaking his winning streak.
This setback was particularly disappointing for Pereira, who holds the record for becoming a multi-division UFC champion in the shortest amount of time. It was his first loss since facing Israel Adesanya at UFC 287.
Following Pereira`s defeat, many speculated about the reasons behind his performance against Ankalaev at UFC 313, particularly his perceived lower activity level during the fight. Joe Rogan, on a recent episode of his podcast, mentioned several potential issues that could have impacted Pereira`s training camp.
Alex Pereira clears up the rumors about being sick and injured before his UFC 313 loss.
Rogan claimed that Pereira had suffered a broken hand and contracted norovirus, which almost led to him withdrawing from UFC 313. Despite these challenges, Pereira proceeded with the fight and nearly ended Ankalaev`s undefeated streak.
After Rogan`s comments circulated online, Pereira addressed them in his first interview since UFC 313.
Pereira discussed Rogan`s claims during a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show.
“I`m not trying to diminish Ankalaev`s victory, some people tend to do that, but that`s not my style,” Pereira stated. “Everyone faces challenges, and I`m sure he had his as well. My hand is fine, but there were indeed several things that happened, though I`m not making excuses.”
“I`m not bringing this up to gain any advantage. When I regain the belt, I will reveal everything… yes, I considered withdrawing… I don`t regret fighting because I believe I motivated many people by pushing through. Often, I`ve succeeded in overcoming obstacles, but this time it wasn`t my moment. No regrets.”
This is not the first instance of Pereira competing while injured in his UFC career. Prior to recent title fights against Jiri Prochazka and Khalil Rountree Jr., Pereira had foot injuries that could have caused other fighters to pull out.
Despite these injuries, Pereira headlined three UFC events in 2024, including UFC 300 against Jamahal Hill.
Alex Pereira’s former rival labeled a ‘fraud’ by Magomed Ankalaev.
Fortunately for Pereira, he now has time to recover before a potential rematch with Ankalaev. Ankalaev expressed immediate interest in a rematch after UFC 313, and both fighters have verbally agreed to it on social media.
Another contender in the light heavyweight division is Prochazka, who rebounded from his loss to Pereira by defeating Hill at UFC 311. Prochazka and Ankalaev have recently exchanged words, with Ankalaev calling Prochazka a `fraud` in a post-UFC 313 tweet.
However, despite Prochazka`s victory, Pereira is likely to get the first rematch opportunity against Ankalaev later this year. In his interview with Helwani, Pereira and his coach Plinio Cruz suggested that the rematch take place in August.
