Alex Pereira Fought with a Broken Hand and a Deadly Virus – The Shocking Truth Behind His UFC 313 Defeat!

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira recently opened up about his loss to Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313. The match ended in a unanimous decision against him, marking his first defeat in the light heavyweight division since moving up in weight in April 2023. Despite acknowledging that he did not perform at his best, Pereira remains confident that he could have won.

In a post-fight interview, he emphasized his resilience and defensive skills, noting that he successfully defended all of Ankalaev’s takedown attempts. Pereira also addressed controversial accusations from Ankalaev’s camp, dismissing claims that he used greasing tactics as mere excuses. Instead, he pointed to his own challenges, including injuries and illness leading up to the fight.

The Stats Tell a Different Story

While the scorecards favored Ankalaev, the statistics highlight Pereira’s impressive performance, especially in wrestling defense.

• Pereira defended all 12 of Ankalaev’s takedown attempts, proving that his takedown defense is world-class.

• Despite suffering a broken hand and norovirus, Pereira fought all five rounds, refusing to back down.

• This marked Pereira’s first loss at light heavyweight, yet he remains a top contender.

These numbers reinforce that Pereira was far from outclassed. Instead, they suggest that with a full recovery and a proper training camp, he could turn the tables in a rematch against Ankalaev.

The Decision to Fight Through Adversity

One of the most shocking revelations following UFC 313 was that Pereira nearly withdrew from the fight due to serious health concerns. Reports confirm that he was dealing with:

• A broken hand, which severely limited his striking ability.

• Norovirus, a brutal virus causing vomiting, diarrhea, and extreme fatigue.

Most fighters would have pulled out in such circumstances, but Pereira refused to back down. His decision to step into the octagon despite being compromised speaks volumes about his warrior mentality.

A Rematch in the Works—Pereira’s Road to Redemption

Despite the UFC 313 setback, Pereira is eager to run it back with Ankalaev, and both fighters—as well as UFC CEO Dana White—have shown interest in making it happen.

• Pereira’s team has already begun negotiations for a potential rematch in August.

• The former champion is fully committed to proving that his loss was an anomaly.

• Ankalaev, confident in his victory, is also willing to fight again, setting the stage for an explosive rematch.

What Will Change in the Rematch?

With more time to heal and prepare, Pereira believes he will be a completely different fighter in the rematch. The biggest improvements he is focusing on include

• Striking accuracy—Without a broken hand, his legendary kickboxing skills will be at full power.

• Cardio and endurance—Free from illness, he will have the stamina to push the pace.

• Takedown defense—Although he defended all 12 takedown attempts, Pereira is committed to further enhancing his grappling.

If Pereira enters the rematch at 100%, the fight could play out very differently.

Dismissing the Greasing Accusations

Following UFC 313, some members of Ankalaev’s camp accused Pereira of greasing, suggesting that his skin was too slippery to allow proper control in grappling exchanges. Pereira quickly shut down these claims, stating,

“They always look for excuses when they don’t get what they want. I fought through my own struggles. I had every reason to pull out of the fight, but I didn’t. I still defended every takedown attempt and kept going until the final bell.”

This statement reflects Pereira’s no-excuses mindset, a trait that has made him a fan favorite in the MMA world.

Beyond the Octagon—Pereira Turns Down Dancing with the Stars

Interestingly, amidst all the fight talk, Pereira revealed that he turned down an opportunity to join Dancing with the Stars. While many fighters have taken part in entertainment ventures, Pereira remains fully focused on reclaiming his UFC title.

His dedication shows that he is not interested in distractions—his mind is set on getting back to the top.

What’s Next for Alex Pereira?

As the MMA world awaits official confirmation of the rematch, Pereira is already preparing for his comeback fight.

• August is the likely target date, allowing him time for a full recovery and a stronger training camp.

• Ankalaev will enter with confidence, but Pereira is determined to flip the script.

• With lessons learned from UFC 313, Pereira is ready to remind the world why he is one of the most dangerous fighters in the sport.

A Champion’s Mindset—The Bottom Line

Alex Pereira’s journey is far from over. His loss at UFC 313 was a setback, but it was also a test of his resilience. He proved that even in his worst condition, he could still stand toe-to-toe with elite competition.

Now, as he sets his sights on redemption, the rematch with Ankalaev could be the fight that defines his legacy. Will Pereira rise again and reclaim his throne? The world will be watching.

The Stakes Have Never Been Higher

For Alex Pereira, the upcoming rematch with Magomed Ankalaev is more than just another fight—it is a chance to reclaim his legacy. A second loss to Ankalaev would put his status as a top contender in jeopardy, while a victory would silence all doubters and prove that his UFC 313 loss was nothing more than an off night due to injuries and illness.

Pereira has always thrived under pressure, and this time, he is coming back with a clear plan. Fully healed and in top shape, he aims to neutralize Ankalaev’s game plan and impose his devastating striking without limitations. His legendary knockout power has already taken down some of the biggest names in the sport, and if he connects cleanly in the rematch, Ankalaev could be in serious trouble.

Beyond the competition, Pereira’s return represents something greater—a story of resilience, determination, and the heart of a true warrior. Fans are eagerly awaiting the official fight announcement, knowing that when Pereira steps back into the octagon, he will be hungrier than ever to reclaim his throne. The countdown to redemption has begun.