Alex Pereira breaks silence: The secret behind his health and injury rumors before his shocking UFC 313 loss will shock you

In the aftermath of UFC 313, rumors swirled about Alex Pereira’s physical condition leading up to his defeat against Magomed Ankalaev. During an exclusive interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, Pereira broke his silence, addressing speculation about injuries, illness, and his mindset heading into one of the most highly anticipated fights of his career. This article delves into Pereira’s statements, explores the context of his rumored setbacks, and evaluates what the future holds for the resilient Brazilian fighter.

Injury Rumors and Clarifications

Prior to the fight, renowned UFC commentator Joe Rogan raised concerns on his podcast about Pereira’s condition. Rogan claimed that Pereira had fought with a broken hand and was suffering from norovirus, a highly contagious illness that can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms. These health issues, according to Rogan, almost forced Pereira to withdraw from the fight.

However, during his interview, Pereira clarified the situation, confirming that while he did sustain an injury, he refused to use it as an excuse for the outcome of the fight. He stated:

“I don’t want to take anything away from Ankalaev. Everyone has their problems, and I’m sure he had his own struggles, too. My hand wasn’t at 100%, and, yes, there were things that happened. But that’s not an excuse for how things played out.”

This admission offered a glimpse into Pereira’s warrior mentality—an attitude of accountability, even in the face of adversity. He acknowledged that he considered withdrawing from UFC 313 but ultimately chose to push forward.

“Yes, I thought about pulling out of the fight. But I have no regrets. I went into that cage because I wanted to inspire people. Every time I’ve faced difficulties, I’ve overcome them. This time, it didn’t work out, but there’s nothing to regret.”

Fighting Through Injuries: A Pattern of Resilience

This isn’t the first time Alex Pereira has fought while dealing with physical setbacks. In previous bouts against Jiri Prochazka and Khalil Rountree, he entered the Octagon with undisclosed leg injuries. Yet, despite these challenges, Pereira continued to deliver high-caliber performances, showcasing his striking prowess and earning victories that bolstered his reputation as one of the most dangerous fighters in the UFC.

At UFC 313, however, the result didn’t go in his favor. Ankalaev defeated Pereira via unanimous decision, ending Pereira’s three-fight win streak. Despite the loss, Pereira’s refusal to withdraw—even while facing significant health concerns—has only reinforced his image as a relentless competitor.

The Ankalaev Factor: A Tough Opponent

Magomed Ankalaev, known for his elite wrestling and striking skills, presented a formidable challenge for Pereira. Leading up to the fight, Ankalaev had established himself as one of the top contenders in the light heavyweight division, with an impressive record and a reputation for grinding out victories against even the toughest opponents.

While Pereira’s hand injury may have hampered his performance, Ankalaev’s game plan was also a key factor in determining the outcome. Utilizing his superior grappling and clinch control, Ankalaev neutralized Pereira’s striking advantages, particularly his devastating left hook.

Pereira, to his credit, acknowledged Ankalaev’s skills and expressed respect for his opponent’s performance. He emphasized that he’s not one to dwell on excuses and remains focused on learning from the experience.

Looking Ahead: A Potential Rematch in August?

Despite the setback, Pereira remains optimistic about the future. He hinted at a potential rematch with Ankalaev later in the year, suggesting that August would be an ideal time for the two fighters to square off again.

“August sounds like a good time. As soon as the UFC sends me the contract, I’ll sign it,” Pereira said.

This statement signals Pereira’s eagerness to bounce back and prove that he can defeat Ankalaev when fully healthy. A rematch would likely generate significant interest from fans, who are eager to see if Pereira can adapt his strategy and overcome Ankalaev’s grappling-heavy approach.

Fan Reactions: Sympathy and Debate

The MMA community has had mixed reactions to Pereira’s post-fight revelations. Many fans have expressed admiration for his toughness and willingness to fight despite his injuries. Social media was flooded with messages of support, praising Pereira for his perseverance and dedication.

However, others have questioned whether fighters should risk their long-term health by competing when injured or ill. Some critics argue that fighting while compromised can diminish the quality of the bout and may not provide a true reflection of a fighter’s skills.

One fan on Twitter commented:

“No wonder he looked off that night. Fighting with a broken hand and being sick? That’s insane. Props to him for stepping in there, but maybe it would’ve been better to postpone the fight.”

Another user offered a different perspective:

“Fighters deal with injuries all the time. If Pereira chose to fight, that’s on him. You can’t make excuses after the fact.”

Ankalaev’s Response

Interestingly, Magomed Ankalaev has also spoken about his own challenges leading up to UFC 313. In response to Pereira’s comments, Ankalaev revealed that he, too, had encountered obstacles during his training camp but chose to keep them private.

This mutual acknowledgment of pre-fight struggles highlights the reality of MMA: very few fighters enter the Octagon at 100%. The grueling nature of training camps, combined with the physical toll of the sport, means that injuries are often part of the equation.

What’s Next for Alex Pereira?

As Pereira looks to regroup and refocus, his path forward in the UFC remains full of possibilities. In addition to a potential rematch with Ankalaev, Pereira has expressed interest in testing himself in other disciplines, including professional boxing. Before UFC 313, he had reportedly considered calling out heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk.

While that crossover bout may be on hold for now, Pereira’s ambition to explore new challenges underscores his desire to keep pushing the limits of his fighting career.

Conclusion: Lessons from Defeat

Alex Pereira’s loss at UFC 313 was undoubtedly a tough pill to swallow, but his response to adversity has been nothing short of inspiring. By addressing the rumors head-on and refusing to make excuses, Pereira has demonstrated the mindset of a true champion—a fighter who learns from setbacks and continues to move forward.

Whether it’s a rematch with Ankalaev, a return to title contention, or a foray into the boxing world, Pereira’s journey is far from over. Fans can expect to see him back in action soon, ready to prove that even in defeat, his spirit remains unbreakable.

As the MMA world eagerly awaits his next move, one thing is certain: Alex Pereira’s story is still being written, and the best may be yet to come.