Alex Pereira’s ex-fiancée celebrated his defeat by making a video saying “No more chama”

Mixed martial arts (MMA) is more than just a combat sport—it’s a world filled with rivalries, triumphs, and personal drama that extends beyond the octagon. One such controversy erupted following UFC 313 when Alex Pereira, the former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, suffered a loss to Magomed Ankalaev. While many fans and analysts focused on the technical aspects of the fight, another unexpected figure entered the conversation—Pereira’s ex-fiancée, Merle Christine.

Christine took to social media to celebrate his defeat, sparking heated discussions among fans. Her words, “No more Chama,” quickly went viral, leaving many questioning her intentions and the history between the two.

In this deep dive, we’ll explore Pereira’s journey, his highly anticipated bout against Ankalaev, and the aftermath, including Christine’s surprising reaction. We’ll also examine the role of personal relationships in professional fighting and how social media fuels these narratives.

Alex Pereira’s Road to UFC 313

Alex “Poatan” Pereira has had a meteoric rise in combat sports. Initially making a name for himself in kickboxing, he became a two-division champion in Glory Kickboxing before transitioning to MMA. His striking skills, coupled with his knockout power, made him a formidable force in the UFC.

After defeating Israel Adesanya for the middleweight championship, Pereira moved up to light heavyweight, where he claimed the title by beating Jiří Procházka at UFC 295. His dominance in two weight divisions solidified his reputation as one of the most dangerous strikers in the sport.

Heading into UFC 313, Pereira was on a mission—to defend his UFC Light Heavyweight Championship against the tough and durable Magomed Ankalaev. Fans anticipated a clash of styles, with Pereira’s striking up against Ankalaev’s well-rounded grappling and wrestling.

The UFC 313 Showdown: Pereira vs. Ankalaev

The fight took place on March 8, 2025, in what was expected to be a war inside the Octagon. From the outset, Ankalaev implemented a strategic game plan, utilizing his superior grappling to neutralize Pereira’s striking. While Pereira had moments of success, landing powerful leg kicks and signature left hooks, Ankalaev’s wrestling and control proved to be the deciding factor.

By the end of five grueling rounds, the judges awarded Ankalaev a unanimous decision victory. The loss was a significant blow for Pereira, not only because he lost his belt but also because it ended his hopes of a potential super fight against UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones.

However, while the MMA world debated the technical aspects of the fight, an unexpected voice entered the conversation—Merle Christine, Pereira’s ex-fiancée.

Merle Christine’s Reaction: “No More Chama”

Shortly after the fight, Christine posted a video on social media, appearing thrilled about Pereira’s loss. Her words, “No more Chama,” were a clear dig at her former fiancé.

For those unfamiliar, “Chama” is a Portuguese slang term meaning “flame” or “fire,” often associated with Pereira’s fighting spirit. Christine’s remark implied that his flame had been extinguished—a direct insult to the defeated fighter.

To make matters even more controversial, Christine pointed out that Pereira’s loss took place on International Women’s Day, seemingly drawing a connection between his personal life and the fight result. She said:

“He lost on International Women’s Day. Maybe that’s a sign, guys, I don’t know.”

Christine also responded to fans who claimed Pereira had been “robbed” by the judges, insisting that Ankalaev deserved the victory.

Her comments quickly went viral, sparking heated debates across social media platforms.

The History Between Alex Pereira and Merle Christine

To understand why Christine’s remarks carried such weight, we need to examine her past relationship with Pereira.

The couple began dating in 2022, and by early 2023, they were engaged. However, their engagement came to an abrupt end in December 2023, when Pereira discovered a shocking truth—Christine was already married.

The revelation led to a bitter breakup, and while Pereira remained silent on the matter, Christine continued to make subtle jabs at him online. Her celebratory video after UFC 313 seemed to be the culmination of their unresolved tensions.

Pereira’s Response to His Ex-Fiancée

Following Christine’s viral video, Pereira did not stay silent. He responded with a sharp and pointed comment:

“I think she should stop mentioning my name because her husband might get jealous. Chama.”

The statement was both humorous and cutting, reminding Christine and the MMA community of their past relationship issues.

While Pereira’s response was relatively measured, the situation highlighted the complicated dynamics of personal relationships in the world of professional sports.

Fan Reactions and MMA Community Response

The drama between Pereira and Christine divided MMA fans. Some felt Christine’s remarks were unnecessary and distasteful, arguing that celebrating an ex’s failure, especially on such a public stage, was in poor taste. Others saw it as harmless banter, considering Pereira’s own confidence and trash-talking in the past.

Social media was flooded with reactions:

• “Christine is really celebrating her ex losing? That’s bitter as hell.”
• “Pereira got humbled, and his ex made sure to remind him. Savage.”
• “This is why personal relationships should stay private. Too much drama.”

Even some MMA analysts weighed in, with former fighters like Chael Sonnen commenting on how personal drama can distract fighters from their careers.

The Impact of Personal Relationships on Fighters

This incident raises an important question: How much does personal life affect an athlete’s performance?

MMA fighters already face immense physical and mental pressure. When personal conflicts—especially those involving past relationships—become public, they can add an extra layer of stress.

We’ve seen similar cases in the past:

• Conor McGregor has had multiple personal controversies affect his focus.
• Israel Adesanya had a public dispute with an ex-girlfriend.
• Jon Jones has dealt with numerous personal and legal issues.

For Pereira, this episode may serve as a distraction or motivation. His ability to stay focused and bounce back from this loss will determine how much of an impact it truly has on his career.

What’s Next for Alex Pereira?

Despite the loss, Pereira remains one of the most dangerous fighters in the UFC. Many believe that a rematch with Ankalaev could be in the works.

UFC President Dana White has already hinted at the possibility:

“I think Pereira deserves another shot. He’s a warrior, and fans love watching him fight.”

Alternatively, Pereira may choose to move back to middleweight or pursue a superfight in another division. Regardless of his next move, one thing is clear—he’s not done yet.

Conclusion: Is This the End of the Pereira-Christine Saga?

The public drama between Alex Pereira and Merle Christine is a reminder that in the world of combat sports, fights aren’t always confined to the octagon. Social media, personal relationships, and past rivalries all play a role in shaping a fighter’s legacy.

While some may view Christine’s remarks as petty, others see them as a reflection of unresolved emotions. As for Pereira, his true response will come inside the cage.

Will this defeat fuel his comeback? Or will the personal distractions prove too much? Only time will tell.

What do you think—was Christine justified in celebrating Pereira’s loss, or was it a low blow? Let us know in the comments!