Former UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira got words of encouragement from a surprising source after UFC 313.
Alex Pereira‘s light heavyweight title reign ended dramatically at UFC 313, courtesy of Magomed Ankalaev. Ankalaev dethroned Pereira by unanimous decision in the UFC 313 headliner, led by high-pressure striking and repeated takedown threats, which forced Pereira onto his back foot.
It was a stunning end to one of the UFC’s most unprecedented title reigns. Pereira, who entered UFC 313 unbeaten in his light heavyweight MMA tenure, could potentially get an immediate rematch following the loss to Ankalaev.
As the UFC light heavyweight division embraces its new titleholder, Pereira is still suffering from the jaws of defeat as he ponders his comeback fight. But the UFC superstar is taking the loss in stride as he plots the adjustments he plans to make for the Ankalaev rematch.
Jamahal Hill shows respect to Alex Pereira’s fatherhood after UFC 313
While the buildup to Pereira and Ankalaev’s headliner was at times heated, none of Pereira’s previous adversaries have stuck a nerve with the former titleholder like Jamahal Hill. After Pereira knocked out Hill at UFC 300, tensions haven’t cooled down, as evidenced by a recent altercation between the two former titleholders at the UFC PI.
While things remain testy in public between Hill and Pereira, there’s some mutual respect between the two sides, as Hill demonstrated recently on social media.
In a recent Instagram comment, Hill reacted to the clip of Pereira and his sons leaving the Octagon after UFC 313.
“The example Pereira has set for his kids is bigger than any title or fight he has ever won,” Hill posted. “Respect.”
Hill picked against Pereira leading up to UFC 313, picking Ankalaev to dethrone his former rival. But despite their past bad blood, Hill was able to credit Pereira for his impact outside of the cage.
Hill has the chance to potentially earn a Pereira rematch by defeating Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC Kansas City later this year. Hill returns to the cage for the first time since falling to Jiří Procházka at UFC 311 in January.
Former UFC champion scolded Alex Pereira for ‘lazy performance’ at UFC 313
UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping questioned Pereira’s hunger and desire after watching his performance at UFC 313. Bisping called Pereira’s showing a ‘lazy performance’ and that the now-former titleholder couldn’t pull the trigger against Ankalaev’s pressure.
Pereira hasn’t made any excuses for the loss, despite initially questioning Ankalaev’s clinch-heavy approach in his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan.
Former UFC champion Aljamain Sterling had a different take on Pereira’s performance, questioning the light heavyweight’s rigorous schedule and quick turnarounds in between fights. Daniel Cormier expressed concerns for Pereira ahead of UFC 313 after busy travels just weeks ahead of the event.
Pereira’s shocking loss has prompted plenty of theories about what went wrong at UFC 313. But after the superstar’s historic rise, it’s not wise to count out the former champion yet.