UPDATE: In a post to his Instagram, Alex Pereira says his X account was hacked. View the post below:
Alex Pereira posts to his IG that his X account was hacked. #UFC #MMA
via Pereira IG pic.twitter.com/qrKTxgCd56
— Cageside Press (@Cagesidepress) May 7, 2025
Former UFC middleweight and light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has never been one to be at odds with the UFC, but a post on X has fans wondering what is going on.
Trouble in paradise between Alex Pereira and the UFC??? #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/UIg0wLwyKL
— Cageside Press (@Cagesidepress) May 7, 2025
“I always answered the UFC’s calls, but if they want to play with me, we can do that. I’ve never spoken poorly of the UFC but with what I’ve just heard I’m disheartened. I’ve already had thoughts of not fighting anymore, and after what was just relayed to me this may be the start,” the former champion wrote.
Speculation aims at possible issues with a potential rematch with new champion Magomed Ankalaev. Ankalaev defeated Pereira at UFC 313 to take the title off the Brazilian. Many, including Ankalaev, have said Pereira deserves the rematch, but no official announcement has been made.
Could it be the UFC is going a different way at 205 pounds? Pereira has said he wants the rematch, and Ankalaev has hinted at August for a fight date. Already in May however the UFC is running out of time for that booking.
Pereira (12-3) is one of the most intriguing stories in MMA history. Coming from the world of kickboxing into MMA he took the middleweight title from then-champion Israel Adesanya. The bout added to their already storied rivalry dating back to their kickboxing days.
Then he moved up to 205 and won the title against Jiri Prochazka at UFC 295 to take a second title in another division.
Whatever the UFC has done to rub Poatan the wrong way it’s clearly soured the former champions hunger for fighting. Hinting at retirement off this latest issues is already sending shockwaves through the fight world.
