Former UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira’s social media rant was all a ruse out of his control.
UFC superstar Alex Pereira‘s rise inside the Octagon came to an abrupt halt at UFC 313, courtesy of newly-crowned light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev. As speculation swirls over a potential rematch between Pereira and Ankalaev, the former titleholder is at odds with UFC CEO Dana White and the matchmakers.
Pereira dropped the UFC light heavyweight championship against Ankalaev in March at UFC 313, losing by unanimous decision in a shocking conclusion to his title reign. Before the loss to Ankalaev, Pereira earned ‘Fighter of the Year’ consideration for three successful title defenses in 2024, all of which ended by TKO.
But after helping out the UFC with several short-notice bookings in 2024, Pereira is looking forward to an immediate rematch with Ankalaev, although things took a bizarre turn this week.
Alex Pereira issues statement after social media rant rocks UFC 315 fight week
Almost immediately after UFC 313, Ankalaev and Pereira verbally agreed to run it back later in 2025. The two sides were targeting a swift second showdown in August for the UFC’s rumored pay-per-view card in Chicago.
Just a handful of fights into his MMA career, Pereira set numerous UFC records and became one of the biggest stars in combat sports. But after suffering his first loss at light heavyweight, Pereira isn’t happy with how business dealings have played out between his team and UFC leadership.
If things don’t improve, Pereira says he’s ready to retire instead of returning to the Octagon.
In a cryptic post on X, Pereira hinted at strained relations with the UFC that could impact an immediate rematch with Ankalaev.
“I always answered the UFC’s calls, but if they want to play with me, we can do that,” Pereira posted Wednesday.
“I’ve never spoken poorly of the UFC but with what I’ve just heard I’m disheartened.
“I’ve already had thoughts of not fighting anymore, and after what was just relayed to me this may be the start.”
Pereira’s post immediately turned heads as the UFC prepares for another pay-per-view card this weekend in Montreal. But apparently, the post wasn’t made by the former light heavyweight champ.
In a recent statement, Pereira assured his followers that relations with the UFC remain intact, and that his social media was hacked.
“I don’t even know what’s going on, I have a great relationship with the UFC,” Pereira said in a recent post to his Instagram story.
Just weeks ago, Ankalaev publicly asked Pereira if he still wants to compete, hinting at a ‘feeling’ the former titleholder was leaning towards retirement. Ankalaev’s tweet wasn’t taken seriously by fans, pundits, and fellow fighters, although Pereira’s social media hack reignited those claims.
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Alex Pereira turns his attention towards light heavyweight comeback
The 37-year-old Pereira was linked to a potential superfight with UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones before falling to Ankalaev at UFC 313. Jones and interim titleholder Tom Aspinall are in active negotiations with the UFC to unify the belts later this year, although an announcement hasn’t been made regarding the fight.
After UFC 313, Pereira expressed frustration with the judges’ scorecards, hinting at feeling robbed of a successful light heavyweight title defense against Ankalaev. He knocked out Khalil Rountree Jr., Jamahal Hill, and Jiri Prochazka last year to kick off one of the most dominant title reigns in light heavyweight history.
After the brief scare, Pereira will look to earn an immediate rematch against Ankalaev later this year.