Former UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has addressed Joe Rogan`s statements suggesting that Pereira was not in optimal condition when entering his UFC 313 fight.
Pereira`s reign as UFC light heavyweight champion ended with a unanimous decision loss to Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313. This defeat came after a successful run in 2024 where he secured multiple title defenses. It marked his first loss in the light heavyweight division and his first defeat since facing Israel Adesanya at UFC 287.
Following the fight, there was speculation about Pereira`s performance and what might have contributed to his less aggressive approach against Ankalaev. Joe Rogan mentioned on his podcast that Pereira might have been dealing with health issues during his training camp.
Pereira Clarifies Rumors of Illness and Injury Before UFC 313 Loss
Rogan claimed that Pereira had a broken hand and suffered from norovirus leading up to UFC 313, almost causing him to withdraw from the event. Despite these challenges, Pereira competed and went the distance against Ankalaev.
After Rogan`s comments circulated online, Pereira spoke about them in a recent interview on The Ariel Helwani Show.
Pereira stated, “I`m not trying to diminish Ankalaev`s victory; many people try to do that, but that`s not my style. Everyone faces challenges. My hand is fine, but there were indeed several issues, though I`m not making excuses.”
He continued, “I`m not using this to gain any advantage. When I regain the belt, I will reveal everything… yes, I considered withdrawing, but I don`t regret fighting because I motivated many people. Pushing through adversity has often worked for me, but this time it wasn`t my moment. I have no regrets.”
This is not the first time Pereira has competed while injured in his UFC career. He faced foot injuries before title fights against Jiri Prochazka and Khalil Rountree Jr., injuries that could have led other fighters to pull out.
Despite these issues, Pereira was the main event for three UFC cards in 2024, including UFC 300 against Jamahal Hill.
Magomed Ankalaev Calls Alex Pereira’s Former Rival a ‘Fraud’
Fortunately for Pereira, he now has time to recover before a potential rematch with Ankalaev. Ankalaev expressed interest in a rematch immediately 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` on social media after UFC 313.
Despite Prochazka`s recent win, Pereira is likely to get the first opportunity to rematch Ankalaev later this year. In his interview with Helwani, Pereira and his coach Plinio Cruz suggested that the rematch could take place in August.
