Dricus Du Plessis remarks about Alex Pereira after UFC 313: “His aura has been extinguished”

The UFC landscape has once again shifted dramatically after UFC 313, and reigning Middleweight Champion Dricus Du Plessis is not holding back. Following Alex Pereira’s loss to Magomed Ankalaev, Du Plessis made a bold statement, suggesting that Pereira’s defeat not only cost him a massive payday but also diminished his fearsome reputation in the fight game.

In a post-fight reaction, Du Plessis said:

“Thank you, Ankalaev, for taking away the biggest payday of my life. Nothing personal against Alex Pereira, but after this fight, his aura has been extinguished.”

But what does this really mean for the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions? More importantly, does this affect Pereira’s standing in the UFC, and could this open the door for other major fights?

Let’s break it all down.

Dricus Du Plessis: The Middleweight Champion’s Rise to the Top

Before analyzing the impact of Pereira’s loss, it’s essential to understand why Du Plessis even cares about this fight.

Dricus “Stillknocks” Du Plessis has become one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC’s middleweight division. The South African star has an impressive 21-2 record and captured the UFC Middleweight Championship after a thrilling win over Sean Strickland at UFC 312.

Du Plessis is known for his relentless pressure, knockout power, and ability to grind out wins in high-stakes fights. He has also been vocal about wanting a massive, money-making fight that would put him in the mainstream spotlight.

One such fight was against Alex Pereira, the former middleweight champion who moved up to light heavyweight and quickly won the belt in dominant fashion.

A Du Plessis vs. Pereira showdown had the potential to be one of the biggest UFC fights of the year, combining elite striking, high intensity, and the narrative of champion vs. champion.

Alex Pereira’s Devastating Loss to Magomed Ankalaev

At UFC 313, Alex Pereira stepped into the Octagon to defend his light heavyweight title against Magomed Ankalaev, one of the division’s most well-rounded and dangerous fighters.

The fight didn’t go Pereira’s way. Ankalaev controlled much of the fight, utilizing his grappling and striking to neutralize Pereira’s devastating left hook. After five grueling rounds, Ankalaev emerged victorious, securing a unanimous decision and ending Pereira’s reign as light heavyweight champion.

For fans of Pereira, this loss was a brutal setback. Having previously dominated the middleweight division, knocking out Israel Adesanya to claim the title before moving up to light heavyweight glory, Pereira was seen as a nearly unstoppable force.

However, this defeat suddenly changed everything.

Why Du Plessis Thinks Pereira’s Aura is Gone

For fighters like Dricus Du Plessis, matchups aren’t just about titles; they’re about money and legacy.

A fight between two dominant champions typically generates huge pay-per-view numbers, bigger sponsorship deals, and more hype. Had Pereira successfully defended his light heavyweight belt, a potential Du Plessis vs. Pereira super fight would have been one of the biggest events in UFC history.

Instead, with Pereira now no longer a champion and coming off a decisive loss, Du Plessis believes the fight has lost much of its appeal.

His comment—“his aura has been extinguished”—suggests that Pereira’s mystique as an unstoppable knockout artist has faded. Fighters who were once afraid of Pereira’s striking power might now see vulnerabilities, and Du Plessis himself may no longer view Pereira as a high-profile, must-fight opponent.

Could Du Plessis Still Fight Pereira?

Despite Du Plessis’ comments, a fight with Pereira could still happen—but not under the same circumstances.

Now that Pereira has lost his light heavyweight title, the question remains: Will he stay at 205 pounds or drop back down to middleweight?

If Pereira returns to middleweight, a title fight with Du Plessis is still a major possibility. However, Pereira may first have to prove himself against other top contenders before getting a direct shot at the South African champion.

Alternatively, if Pereira stays at light heavyweight, he may chase a rematch with Ankalaev, which UFC CEO Dana White has already hinted at. If Pereira can reclaim his title, interest in a Du Plessis vs. Pereira showdown could reignite.

What’s Next for Dricus Du Plessis?

With Pereira’s loss, Du Plessis now has to look elsewhere for his next big fight.

One of the most likely next challengers is Khamzat Chimaev, the undefeated Chechen-Swedish fighter who has been vocal about wanting a title shot.

Chimaev is one of the most dangerous fighters in the UFC today. His wrestling dominance, combined with his powerful striking, makes him a nightmare matchup for anyone in the division.

Du Plessis has acknowledged Chimaev as a potential opponent, saying:

“I think he deserves a hiding.”

If the UFC books a Du Plessis vs. Chimaev title fight, it would generate massive interest—especially given Chimaev’s undefeated record and trash-talking ability.

Other possible challengers for Du Plessis include:

• Israel Adesanya: The former middleweight champion could return to reclaim his title.
• Sean Strickland (Rematch): Strickland has demanded a rematch after losing to Du Plessis at UFC 312.
• Robert Whittaker: A former champion still in the top 5 rankings.

Regardless of who he fights next, Du Plessis is on a mission to cement his legacy and prove himself as the undisputed king of the middleweight division.

What’s Next for Alex Pereira?

For Pereira, the road back to the top won’t be easy.

After losing to Ankalaev, the former double champion must reevaluate his game plan and decide his next move.

Possible options for Pereira include:

• Immediate Rematch with Ankalaev: Dana White has hinted this could happen.
• Dropping Back to Middleweight: If he wants another title run, a fight with Du Plessis could still be on the table.
• A Super Fight at a Catchweight: If UFC wants to create a massive PPV event, they could book a special catchweight bout between Pereira and another big-name fighter.

Regardless of the path he takes, Pereira remains one of the most dangerous strikers in UFC history, and fans will be eager to see how he rebounds from this loss.

Final Thoughts: The Ever-Changing UFC Landscape

The UFC is always evolving, and the latest shifts in the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions prove just how unpredictable the sport can be.

Dricus Du Plessis’ comments on Pereira’s loss reflect the high-stakes nature of MMA, where momentum, public perception, and financial incentives can change overnight.

For now, Du Plessis is focused on defending his title and chasing the next big challenge, while Pereira must regroup and rebuild his path to championship glory.

One thing is for sure: whether it’s Du Plessis vs. Pereira, Du Plessis vs. Chimaev, or Pereira’s revenge tour, the UFC remains as exciting as ever.

Stay tuned—the best is yet to come!