Alex Pereira, one of the UFC’s most polarizing champions, has finally admitted what many fans suspected: his controversial retirement tease earlier this year was not the result of a hacked account. Instead, it was a moment of frustration and miscommunication that spiraled into headlines across sports news and MMA news platforms.
Now, as Pereira prepares for his highly anticipated rematch with Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320 in Las Vegas, the Brazilian star is setting the record straight.
The Infamous Retirement Tease
Earlier in the year, Pereira posted a cryptic message hinting at stepping away from the sport after reports suggested that Jiri Prochazka, not Pereira, was being considered for a title shot against Ankalaev. At the time, “Poatan” quickly backtracked, claiming his account had been compromised. However, in a recent conversation with Ariel Helwani, Pereira confirmed the truth: he wasn’t hacked.
His coach and translator, Plinio Cruz, explained that Pereira reacted to rumors he saw on social media. Believing he had been overlooked despite promises of a title fight, he lashed out impulsively. “It was lack of communication between the camp, manager, and UFC,” Cruz admitted. “He acted too quickly without checking the facts.”
UFC’s Dependable Headliner
Since transitioning from kickboxing to MMA in 2021, Pereira has become a cornerstone of the UFC. He fought three times a year in back-to-back seasons and often stepped in to headline cards when the promotion needed him most. In 2024 alone, he defended titles multiple times and filled key slots on short notice.
For many, Pereira represented the UFC’s savior when big names were unavailable. That’s why the thought of being sidelined in favor of another challenger felt like a betrayal. The Brazilian admitted that his emotions got the better of him, but he now acknowledges that the UFC never intended to bypass him.
Pereira vs Ankalaev: First Encounter
The upcoming clash at UFC 320 is not their first meeting. The two faced off at UFC 313 in March, where Ankalaev narrowly edged Pereira to capture the light heavyweight belt. The close nature of the fight fueled immediate calls for a rematch, though negotiations took longer than expected.
Pereira clarified that any perceived delay was not reluctance but necessity. After a grueling schedule, he needed time to heal nagging injuries and recharge. “Some fighters take a year or more off,” Cruz noted. “Alex fighting every few months became normal, so when he took a short break, people overreacted.”
Pereira’s Cryptic UFC Message
The story didn’t end with one impulsive tweet. Months later, Pereira again caused waves by posting another cryptic message about his future with the UFC. “I’ve already had thoughts of not fighting anymore,” he wrote, leaving fans to speculate whether another retirement scare was looming.
The timing was curious, as it followed his loss to Ankalaev and the absence of official news about his next fight. Some speculated about a superfight with Jon Jones, while others linked him to middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis moving up to 205 pounds. Yet Pereira remained vague, fueling rumors of a rift with the organization.
UFC 320: What’s at Stake
The rematch with Ankalaev on October 4 at T-Mobile Arena carries enormous weight. For Pereira, it’s not just about reclaiming the light heavyweight belt—it’s about restoring stability to his career after a stormy year of headlines. For Ankalaev, it’s a chance to silence critics who insist his first victory was too close to be decisive.
Both fighters bring high stakes into the octagon. Pereira’s popularity and draw power remain unmatched among international stars, while Ankalaev seeks to establish himself as a dominant champion in a division often clouded by uncertainty.
Career Timeline: Pereira’s UFC Journey
To better understand Pereira’s rapid rise and current situation, it helps to look back at his recent career path.
| Year | Event | Outcome | Significance |
| 2021 | UFC Debut | Win | Transitioned from kickboxing to MMA full-time |
| 2022 | UFC 281 | Win vs Israel Adesanya | Captured Middleweight Title |
| 2023 | UFC 287 | Loss vs Adesanya | Lost Middleweight belt in rematch |
| 2023 | UFC 295 | Win | Moved to Light Heavyweight, claimed second title |
| 2024 | UFC 313 | Loss vs Ankalaev | Lost Light Heavyweight Title |
| 2025 | UFC 320 | Pending vs Ankalaev | High-stakes rematch |
Between Anger and Legacy
Alex Pereira’s impulsive posts reveal the pressure elite fighters carry outside the cage. Every social media comment, every rumor, can spark massive speculation in MMA news cycles. For a fighter who became UFC champion in two divisions within just a few years, expectations weigh heavily. Fans expect constant activity, yet his body demands recovery after wars against names like Israel Adesanya and Magomed Ankalaev.
Pereira’s coach stressed that unlike some fighters who wait years between bouts, Pereira has consistently answered the UFC’s call. His cryptic frustrations were less about quitting and more about needing respect for what he has already given the sport. “People got used to him being available every few months,” Cruz explained. “When he pauses, people panic.”
Media Storm and “Hacked News”
The claim that Pereira was hacked, later admitted to be false, fueled a media storm. Major outlets ran headlines, fans debated motives, and even hacked news blogs twisted the story. In hindsight, Pereira acknowledges that honesty would have avoided confusion. But in the heat of the moment, hiding behind the idea of a compromised account seemed easier than admitting he had reacted emotionally.
That single tweet exposed a broader truth: even champions can feel insecure about their place in the UFC hierarchy. With fighters like Ankalaev, Prochazka, and others circling, Pereira feared being sidelined despite his proven track record.
The UFC’s Balancing Act
The UFC faces constant pressure to balance star power, fairness, and business interests. While Ankalaev’s rise demanded recognition, Pereira’s global following makes him indispensable for marquee events. A Pereira vs Ankalaev rematch was inevitable—not just for competitive closure, but for the UFC’s bottom line.
Pereira vs Ankalaev 2: Key Questions
As UFC 320 approaches, analysts and fans are asking: what changes can Pereira make to overcome Ankalaev’s style? The Dagestani champion is known for calculated striking and wrestling defense, while Pereira thrives on knockout power and precision. Their first fight was razor-thin, with Ankalaev edging the decision.
Key factors for the rematch include:
- Conditioning – Can Pereira pace himself better after months of recovery?
- Defensive Adjustments – Will he neutralize Ankalaev’s counterstriking?
- Psychological Edge – Has the fallout from his retirement scare strengthened or distracted him?
The answers will define whether Pereira reclaims his belt or cements Ankalaev as the new standard-bearer at 205 pounds.
Beyond UFC 320: What’s Next for Pereira?
Regardless of outcome, Pereira’s future will remain a central storyline in mma latest news. If he defeats Ankalaev, the possibility of a trilogy fight looms large. Should he lose again, speculation could turn to superfights—perhaps finally facing Jon Jones or testing middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis at light heavyweight.
Another scenario involves retirement, though Pereira has walked back such talk multiple times. At 37, his fight clock is ticking, yet his star power ensures the UFC will keep him in high-profile bouts for as long as he chooses to compete.
Legacy in the Making
Pereira’s career is already historic: a two-division UFC champion with a decorated kickboxing past. His battles with Adesanya are classics, and his rapid transition into UFC stardom is unmatched. The Ankalaev saga adds another chapter—one where impulsive emotions collide with the realities of business and legacy.
For fans, the upcoming Pereira vs Ankalaev fight isn’t just about belts. It’s about watching how a fighter handles adversity, how he manages his emotions, and whether he can turn controversy into triumph.