Henry Cejudo Drops a Bomb: Is Alex Pereira’s Lifestyle Ruining His UFC Career?

Alex Pereira came into UFC 313 as the reigning light heavyweight champion, but by the end of the night, he was no longer at the top. The Brazilian knockout artist lost his belt to Magomed Ankalaev by unanimous decision in what many saw as a lackluster performance.

Pereira has built a reputation for his powerful striking and fearless approach inside the Octagon, but this time, something seemed off. His timing, movement, and even his physical condition appeared different compared to his previous fights. This raised concerns among fans and analysts, including Henry Cejudo, who believes that Pereira’s lifestyle choices outside the cage have finally begun to take a toll on his performance.

Distractions and Travel: Did Pereira Underestimate His Opponent?

One of the most talked-about factors leading up to the fight was Pereira’s decision to travel to Sydney, Australia, just one month before his title defense. While fighters often take time to acclimate to different environments and train under controlled conditions, Pereira’s trip seemed more like a promotional tour than a serious fight camp.

He was seen attending multiple media events, sponsorship obligations, and public appearances, which may have interfered with his training schedule and recovery process.

Henry Cejudo, speaking on his “Pound 4 Pound” podcast with Kamaru Usman, expressed his concerns about Pereira’s commitment to staying sharp as a champion.

“I think Alex Pereira’s lifestyle is finally catching up to him,” Cejudo stated. “The travel, the media commitments, the whole ‘Chama’ thing, and all the other activities outside of fighting—it’s not helping him at all. The only reason I say this is because his body looked different. He looked a little pudgier; his face looked fuller. Something was off.”

Physical Changes and Tactical Mistakes: Pereira Was Not at His Best

Fighters at the elite level must maintain strict discipline in their training, diet, and mental focus. Even a slight deviation from their routine can make a significant difference on fight night.

Cejudo pointed out that Pereira’s physique appeared softer than usual, suggesting that his weight cut may not have gone as smoothly as in previous fights. He also noted how Pereira struggled against a southpaw, something that has been a known weakness in his game.

“We have to give credit to Magomed Ankalaev,” Cejudo added. “He stayed composed; he didn’t react to Pereira’s usual tricks, and he kept his hands up the entire time. That was smart fighting. But you could also see that Pereira wasn’t himself. He has a hard time dealing with southpaws, and Ankalaev exposed that once again.”

Dana White’s Decision: Will Pereira Get an Immediate Rematch?

Despite the loss, UFC CEO Dana White suggested that an immediate rematch between Pereira and Ankalaev is likely the next move.

This decision has sparked debate among fans and analysts. Some believe that Pereira deserves another shot due to his status as a dominant finisher and former champion. Others argue that Ankalaev’s victory was clear, and he should move on to new challengers.

In the post-fight press conference, Dana White confirmed that the UFC is strongly considering a rematch but also hinted that Pereira needs to make some changes if he wants to reclaim his title.

Fighter Reactions: What the MMA Community Thinks About Pereira’s Loss

The MMA community has been buzzing with opinions on Pereira’s performance.

• Michael Bisping, a former UFC champion, expressed surprise at Pereira’s lack of urgency in the fight. “It was a lazy performance from Pereira. He didn’t push the pace like we usually see from him,” Bisping said.

• Magomed Ankalaev, the new light heavyweight champion, was not impressed by Pereira’s performance, stating, “He kept running away. He wasn’t fighting the way a champion should.”

• Alex Pereira himself acknowledged his shortcomings, promising adjustments in the potential rematch. “I’ll come back stronger. I made mistakes, and I won’t make them again,” he said in a brief post-fight interview.

The Future of Alex Pereira: Can He Bounce Back?

The biggest question now is whether Pereira can reclaim his title. While he remains one of the most dangerous strikers in the UFC, his recent loss has exposed flaws that he must address.

• Mental Focus: Pereira needs to refocus on his training and avoid unnecessary distractions. If he wants to stay at the top, his priority must be fighting and preparation.

• Game Plan Adjustments: Pereira’s struggles against Southpaws have been a recurring issue. He must work on better movement, defense, and counter-striking strategies to overcome this weakness.

• Physical Conditioning: If Cejudo’s observations are correct, Pereira’s weight management needs to be more disciplined. Proper conditioning and strength training will be crucial for his comeback.

Final Thoughts: Is Pereira’s championship window closing?

Alex Pereira is still a top-tier fighter, but his recent defeat raises concerns about his future in the division. Fighters who fail to adapt and evolve often find themselves on the decline, especially in a division as competitive as light heavyweight.

The next few months will be crucial for Pereira. If he can regain focus, adjust his tactics, and come back stronger, he may reclaim his title. However, if his lifestyle continues to interfere with his performance, he could find himself struggling to stay relevant in the UFC title picture.

Regardless of what happens next, Pereira remains a fan favorite, and his journey will be one to watch. Whether he rises again or fades away, one thing is certain—his next fight will be the most important of his career.

Will Pereira’s Next Fight Prove He Still Belongs at the Top?

The MMA world is waiting to see if Alex Pereira can overcome this setback. Can he adjust and reclaim his throne, or is this the beginning of the end for one of the most feared strikers in the UFC?