Alex Pereira lost the light heavyweight championship to Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 on March 8. There are rumors that "Poatan" fought the Russian fighter while injured and unwell. UFC commentator Joe Rogan revealed on his podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, that Pereira entered the fight at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas with a hand injury and was battling illness. “They say he fought with a broken hand and norovirus against Ankalaev,” Rogan stated, adding that Pereira had previously fought with severe injuries, including a broken toe and a damaged knee.
Following the fight, Pereira confirmed that health issues affected him but emphasized that he did not want to diminish Ankalaev's victory. “I'm not trying to take away from Ankalaev. Everybody goes through problems. I'm sure he had his own problems too,” Pereira said during an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show. He acknowledged that while he faced challenges, specifically mentioning his hand, he did not want to use these as excuses.
Pereira mentioned that he had serious issues prior to UFC 313 that made him contemplate withdrawing from the fight, calling it a “complicated fight camp.” However, he did not provide further details about the challenges he faced. Despite losing the 205-pound title, Pereira expressed no regrets about competing while injured. “I do not regret because I've conquered a lot. Many times I've pushed through things. This time was not my moment, but I do not regret,” he stated.
As combat sports enthusiasts know, it is common for fighters to enter the ring with injuries. Pereira's determination to fight despite his condition speaks to the warrior spirit that defines the sport.
