07-05-2025
Alex Pereira Threatens Retirement After Receiving 'Disheartened' Update from UFC
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
There appears to be some issues going on between the UFC and superstar Alex Pereira. "Poatan" took to X to reveal a major issue he is experiencing with the organization, and has even threatened to walk away from the sport completely.
More news: Exclusive: Peter Murray Reveals New International Expansion of PFL Africa
I always answered the UFC's calls, but if they want to play with me, we can do that. 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. — Alex "Poatan" Pereira (@AlexPereiraUFC) May 7, 2025
Pereira voiced his concern with the UFC, including teasing a "disheartened" update from his employer.
"I always answered the UFC's calls, but if they want to play with me, we can do that. 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," the post reads.
This post can mean a number of things, but it might be a bit fair to speculate that Pereira may not be getting the immediate rematch against Magomed Ankalev.
The pair faced off against one another at UFC 313 in March, and it led to a unanimous decision for Ankalev. Pereira did not look like his normal self, and it was revealed after the fight that he had been dealing with a broken hand and norovirus.
Alex Pereira of Brazil walks to the locker room after being defeated by Magomed Ankalaev of Russia in the Light Heavyweight Title during UFC 313 at T-Mobile Arena on March 08, 2025 in Las Vegas,...
Alex Pereira of Brazil walks to the locker room after being defeated by Magomed Ankalaev of Russia in the Light Heavyweight Title during UFC 313 at T-Mobile Arena on March 08, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. MoreMore news: Former Manchester United Star to Make MMA Debut with PFL
Regardless, Pereria stepped into the octagon to defend the light heavyweight title for the fourth time, and lost the belt.
Pereira is right to be upset if the UFC is not giving him the fight he desires, as he has constantly shown up to take on all challengers. In fact, he fought a staggering four times in 11 months.
Pereira won the light heavyweight belt, defeating Jiří Procházka in November 2023. He would then defend the title against Jamahal Hill in April 2024, against Procházka again in June 2024, and then against Khalil Rountree Jr. in October 2024.
Pereira also has the honor of being only the third fighter in UFC history that longtime announcer Bruce Buffer has referred to as "the one, the only." The other two are Conor McGregor and Jon Jones, both trailblazers in the sport.
Pereira has only been in the UFC for a little over three years, but in that time, he has engaged in seven title fights, which is unreal. Whatever issues the UFC just presented to the MMA star, they might want to figure those out, or the organization will lose one of its most dynamic fighters.
Since arriving in the UFC, Pereira's stardom has only risen. Though he had a misstep against Ankalev, the belief would be that he would get an immediate rematch.
More details are likely to come out about what has transpired, but Pereira threatening to retire is not a good sign.
For more on the UFC and MMA, head to Newsweek Sports.
