There is little argument that Alex Pereira, during his torrid light heavyweight title run, was the promotion’s most valuable player, competing six times in less than two years with five of those contests serving as main event title fights.
Even if it meant competing on short notice.
But something may have happened in the weeks following Pereira’s championship loss to Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 back in March. “Poatan” has not disclosed details, but did threaten to walk away from combat sports if UFC wants to “play.”
“I always answered the UFC’s calls, but if they want to play with me, we can do that,” Pereira wrote on X. “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.”
That’s no way to treat “the biggest star in the sport.”
Pereira and Ankalaev were expected to rematch for the 205-pound strap at some point later this year, just as soon as “Poatan” was done with his travel commitments. Without context from the former champion, it is not yet known if his issue with UFC revolves around their championship do-over.
Stay tuned.
This story originally appeared on MMA Mania
