UFC commentator Joe Rogan recently suggested on his podcast that Alex Pereira fought with a broken hand and norovirus in his UFC 313 title defense against Magomed Ankalaev earlier this month. However, Pereira clarifies that this is not entirely accurate.
While “Poatan” confirmed he wasn`t at his best going into the event, the Brazilian fighter stated on The Ariel Helwani Show on Wednesday that his hands were not injured.
“As I always say, I don’t like to make excuses or diminish my opponent`s victory, even if I disagree with the fight outcome,” Pereira said in Portuguese. “Everyone faces difficulties. I had my own issues, and maybe he did too. But I can say that my hand was fine. However, there were other significant things that happened.”
Pereira chose not to disclose the exact issues leading up to his first defeat as a light heavyweight but indicated he might discuss them publicly in the future. He did mention that the situation was serious enough for him to contemplate withdrawing from the fight.
“That was one of the most challenging fights due to everything that occurred,” Pereira explained. “I don’t regret fighting. Everything I have achieved, and the motivation I’ve given to many people, comes from pushing through difficulties. I’ve faced similar challenges with injuries and other problems before and succeeded. This time it didn’t go my way, but I still don’t regret it.”
Pereira mentioned that he rewatched the UFC 313 main event and scored it 48-47 in his favor, believing he won rounds 1, 3, and 5. Consequently, he is seeking a rematch.
“It’s clear that I want a rematch with him, and I won’t accept any other fight,” Pereira asserted. “I believe I’ve earned this right due to my previous performances. However, we haven`t yet discussed this with the UFC organization.”
Ankalaev recently suggested on social media that a rematch in August is being considered, implying he has accepted an offer from the UFC. Although Pereira stated he has not received any official offer yet, he is favorable to this timeline.
“I’ll be ready,” Pereira confirmed. “If it’s August, that’s a good date.”
“I’m looking forward to that moment, and I’m sure it will be a different fight,” he concluded. “If I knock him out, great, but I believe I have the ability to dominate him completely.”
