Former UFC champion Aljamain Sterling’s criticism of Alex Pereira following UFC 313 rubbed a star lightweight the wrong way.
Alex Pereira‘s historic UFC light heavyweight title reign came to an abrupt halt at UFC 313 last Saturday in Las Vegas. Pereira fell to Magomed Ankalaev by unanimous decision, snapping a five-fight unbeaten streak at light heavyweight and relinquishing the 205lb belt.
While Pereira vs. Ankalaev was competitive from start to finish, Pereira didn’t look like his usual destructive self at UFC 313. He seemed tentative against Ankalaev’s takedown threats and failed to significantly hurt Ankalaev with his elite striking.
After UFC 313, Aljamain Sterling wondered if Pereira’s unprecedented fight activity and pace might’ve led to his downfall.
Alex Pereira defended by Renato Moicano after Aljamain Sterling questions UFC 313 performance
Sterling highlighted a potential reason for Pereira’s UFC 313 struggles in a recent segment on his YouTube channel.
“Pereira fights way too often,” Sterling said. “Three title defenses in seven months. That is insanity to do that. And it’s not like his fights were pitter-patter fights. You could say that Jamahal Hill one was no damage. Okay, cool. I understand that…
“You go from that, add on to the fact that he bounces back from these fights and he goes right back into the gym almost one, maybe two weeks later. You compound that with the amount of times that he’s sparring. When does Pereira give himself his body and his brain and his chin a chance to take a break and just recover?”
After Sterling’s comments went viral, Moicano didn’t take long to weigh in during a recent post to X.
“Absolutely wrong, [Pereira] made between 40 and 50 million last year alone!” Moicano replied to Sterling. “Whoever says [Pereira’s] wrong still believes in federal currency and social security!”
Pereira led the way for 2024 Fighter of the Year with three successful light heavyweight title defenses. All three fights resulted in stoppages, including a come-from-behind win over Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 307.
Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira reached a verbal agreement on an immediate rematch
Luckily for Pereira, he might not have to wait long to get another crack at Ankalaev. According to the new light heavyweight champ Ankalaev, negotiations are already underway for an immediate rematch later this year.
If Pereira opts to take some time off, Ankalaev could face a UFC fan favorite for his first title defense. He and Jiri Prochazka have traded barbs in the days following UFC 313, with the two light heavyweights labeling each other as ‘frauds’.
Pereira’s proposed move to heavyweight is on the shelf after UFC 313. Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall are expected to unify the heavyweight titles later this year, and Pereira could potentially face the winner if he reclaims the light heavyweight championship.