UPDATE: Former UFC champion Alex Pereira is set for an urgent rematch against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320 in Las Vegas on Saturday, March 16, 2024. Pereira’s team reveals he’s now fully healed after a tough loss in March, a fight that left him feeling far from his best.
Shortly before losing his light heavyweight title to Ankalaev at UFC 313, Pereira exhibited unusual signs of distress, prompting concern from his manager, Jorge Guimarães. “He never complains, except when he’s losing weight,” Guimarães said, emphasizing Pereira’s unusual vulnerability before the fight. The unanimous decision loss was seen as one of Pereira’s worst performances, raising urgent questions about his fitness.
Pereira acknowledged he was only “40%” of his usual self during their March encounter, battling a stress fracture in his tibia and serious illness just weeks before the fight. His physical therapist, Kaue Yub, confirmed that overtraining led to a compromised immune system, resulting in severe sickness. “He fought too many times,” Yub stated, noting the cumulative toll on Pereira’s body.
This time, Pereira enters the Octagon as a betting underdog at +210, but his team is optimistic. After taking a much-needed break from fighting and traveling, Pereira focused on recovery, stating, “I’ve always been nonstop… A lot of things added up, and I started aging.” His return to training in Danbury, Connecticut, has been steady and deliberate, with a full camp dedicated to healing.
Coaches note that Pereira’s previous hectic schedule, including headlining major events while injured, is behind him. “This is a different scenario,” said head coach Plinio Cruz. “We stayed home and we stayed in the gym.”
Pereira’s confidence is palpable, as he gears up for this critical rematch. The emotional stakes are high, with fans and analysts alike eager to see how he will respond after such a tumultuous period. “I feel very, very good about this one,” Cruz remarked, hinting at the fighter’s renewed vigor.
As UFC 320 approaches, all eyes will be on Pereira to see if he can reclaim his title and prove that he has overcome the challenges that plagued him in their first meeting. With a full recovery and a focused training camp, Pereira is ready to show the world the champion he truly is.
Stay tuned for the latest updates as this developing story unfolds!