Alex Pereira Is Following Vince McMahon’s Secret Playbook to Win Over Fans, Suggests UFC Veteran

Alex Pereira, the former two-division UFC champion, has been on a remarkable journey since his stunning defeat at UFC 313. Despite a unanimous loss to Magomed Ankalaev, Pereira remains one of the biggest stars in the UFC. However, his popularity has faced a significant dip due to a lackluster performance. UFC veteran Chael Sonnen suggests that Pereira is channeling Vince McMahon’s PR playbook to win over the fans and reclaim his place at the top. The veteran believes Pereira has tapped into McMahon’s knack for giving fans exactly what they want—while keeping them on their toes.

Pereira’s Public Appearances and the Vince McMahon Strategy

Despite his loss, Pereira has been seen making strategic appearances, including showing up at UFC Fight Night Mexico City, where he received loud applause from the crowd. His appearance, far from the mopey figure many expected, was described as a masterstroke of public relations by Chael Sonnen. “Give the audience what they want, but not what they’re expecting,” Sonnen said, pointing to how Pereira’s presence at a Fight Night event—especially one outside of the usual pay-per-view spectacle—was a smart PR move.

This was not just about showing up. Pereira was dressed well, smiling, and showing none of the frustration that came from his last performance. It was a public image overhaul, calculated to rebuild the goodwill lost after UFC 313. By making himself accessible to fans, Pereira echoed a strategy often employed by WWE’s Vince McMahon, who was famous for his larger-than-life public persona and ability to turn setbacks into opportunities for fan engagement.

The Strategic Timing of Pereira’s Public Moves

In the weeks following his loss, Pereira has been making waves with his appearances, such as his Ariel Helwani interview, where he called for rule changes in UFC concerning time-wasting tactics. His openness and willingness to speak about injuries, including battling a broken hand and flu during his fight against Ankalaev, have sparked mixed reactions. Some fans have criticized him for making excuses, but his consistent presence in the media and public appearances have begun to repair his image.

The highlight of these public outings was his appearance at UFC Fight Night Mexico City. Despite being a non-pay-per-view event, the former champion turned up, drawing attention with his sharp attire and positive demeanor, far from the defeated figure fans might have expected. This appearance was, according to Sonnen, a PR masterpiece that reminded fans why they still care about Pereira.

The Rivalry with Ankalaev Continues

While Pereira is busy rebranding himself, his rivalry with Magomed Ankalaev is far from over. The two are expected to face off in an August rematch, with Pereira eager to redeem himself. “August is a good date,” Pereira said, confirming his willingness to fight Ankalaev again, signaling that he’s not backing down from the challenge. However, Ankalaev has fueled the fire even further by accusing Pereira of greasing to avoid takedowns in their first fight, a claim that Pereira has vehemently denied.

This ongoing feud has added a layer of drama to Pereira’s comeback. Ankalaev’s comments, coupled with Pereira’s determined public persona, keep the rivalry alive and fans invested. As the rematch approaches, Pereira’s ability to maintain his public image and back it up with an impressive performance in the octagon will be crucial.

The UFC’s Unpredictable World and Pereira’s Potential Path Forward

In the chaotic world of the UFC, the line between hero and villain can shift quickly. Pereira, who once seemed invincible, now faces a period of rebuilding. His recent strategy of showing up, engaging with fans, and staying active in the public eye is a calculated move to turn the tide in his favor.

By following Vince McMahon’s PR tactics, Pereira has shown that he understands the importance of controlling his narrative. McMahon was known for using drama and spectacle to maintain fan interest—no matter the outcome of matches. Pereira, too, is creating his own spectacle: not just as a fighter, but as a personality capable of captivating audiences beyond the cage.

Conclusion: Will Pereira’s New Approach Pay Off?

As the rematch with Ankalaev looms, all eyes are on Pereira to see if he can not only win back the title but also win the fans over again. The question remains: will his recent PR tactics be enough to carry him through? If the UFC veteran’s predictions are correct and Pereira is indeed following McMahon’s playbook, fans can expect to see even more strategic moves from the Brazilian in the coming months. Only time will tell if these moves lead to a redemption story worthy of the UFC’s biggest stage.

Pereira’s PR Game: Mastering the Art of Fan Engagement

Beyond the fight announcements and media appearances, what really sets Alex Pereira apart is his ability to craft a compelling narrative around himself, something that has often been missing in the world of UFC. Fighters like Conor McGregor have mastered the art of building anticipation with every fight, but Pereira is starting to play the same game, albeit in his own way. His approach has been subtle yet effective, positioning him as more than just a fighter but a character that fans can connect with.

It’s this character-building that has allowed Pereira to rise above the sting of his recent loss. Vince McMahon built WWE stars not just through their in-ring performances but by shaping personas that fans either loved or loved to hate. Pereira, while not taking the same path of trash-talking or villainy, is carefully curating a likable, relatable persona. He’s using his vulnerability—his injuries, his struggles—as part of his comeback story, and fans are eating it up.

Moreover, Pereira’s handling of the media has been impeccable. His ability to engage with top analysts, like Ariel Helwani, and call for rule changes in the sport shows a fighter who is not just interested in winning fights but also in shaping the future of the sport. This level of engagement, combined with his on-camera presence, positions him as a fighter who not only cares about his legacy in the ring but also his impact outside of it.

Fans aren’t just tuning in for his fights anymore; they’re invested in his story, his journey, and his resilience. This is what McMahon understood with WWE—it’s not enough to win the fight; you need to make people care about you, win or lose. And Pereira seems to have learned that lesson well.