“They say he fought with a broken hand and norovirus against Ankalaev,” UFC commentator Joe Rogan revealed on his JRE podcast, suggesting that Alex Pereira was far from his best when he stepped into the Octagon against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313. Despite carrying injuries, the Brazilian managed to stuff all 12 of Ankalaev’s takedown attempts. However, the newly crowned light heavyweight champion proved superior in the striking exchanges, making Pereira’s fourth title defense appear “lazy.“

Ankalaev effectively neutralized the Brazilian’s offense and ultimately ended his reign as champion. While talking to Ariel Helwani, Alex Pereira responded to Rogan’s claims, stating, “My hand is fine, but it did affect a lot of things… I don’t wanna make excuses… I don’t wanna use this as leverage for anything. This was one of the more complicated fight camps that has ever happened.”

It is safe to say that ‘Poatan’ subtly admitted that he had considered withdrawing from UFC 313 due to his condition but ultimately decided to move forward with the fight. Nearly a month later, the clash remains a hot topic among fans, fighters, and media. The controversy surrounding the decision and the ensuing “robbery” allegations have fueled calls for a rematch. The demand has been so overwhelming that Dana White & Co. has taken notice, and reports suggest that both Pereira and Ankalaev have agreed to run it back in August.

With anticipation for the rematch already at a fever pitch, former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker weighed in on the situation. While he doesn’t believe the outcome will change in the rematch, he defended the Brazilian’s injuries as a “legitimate excuse.”

Speaking to MMArcade, Whittaker said: “His excuses are very real, but he didn’t say any of them. Everyone has pride, and those excuses were kept to himself. Maybe the next fight will be markedly different. There have been plenty of times when I’ve fought with legitimate excuses for why X, Y, and Z happened in a fight. But you don’t want to talk about it—it’s such a tricky position. You don’t want to bring it up, but at the same time, it’s a real, legitimate excuse. His hand was broken, dude. That means his power just wasn’t there.”

In less than four years, the Brazilian has stepped into the Octagon 11 times, cementing his status as one of the most active and fearless fighters on the roster. In 2023, he was second only to Kevin Holland in activity, delivering a historic run of defending his belt three times under 175 days by stepping into the Octagon at UFC 300, UFC 303, and UFC 307—all in rapid succession. However, maintaining such a high pace comes at a cost.

With injuries mounting, Pereira faces the physical toll of his grueling schedule, yet he refuses to step back. Aware that he’s nearing the final chapter of his career, he’s driven to make every fight matter. But what fuels this unwavering determination? Let’s hear from the man himself.

Alex Pereira opened up about fighting with a broken toe and comparisons to Conor McGregor

Last summer, fans were buzzing with anticipation for the return of UFC megastar Conor McGregor, who was set to make his long-awaited comeback after more than three years away from the Octagon at UFC 303, facing Michael Chandler. However, just weeks before the fight, McGregor threw a wrench in the plans, revealing a “pinky toe” injury that ultimately caused the McGregor vs. Chandler fight to fall through. With McGregor sidelined, then former 205lbs champ Alex Pereira stepped up to headline the event, taking on Jiri Prochazka in a highly anticipated rematch.

What stunned fans even more was that Pereira, who had fought less than two months earlier at the historic UFC 300, where he knocked out Jamahal Hill in the first round, returned to the Octagon at UFC 303 to face Prochazka. But the Brazilian wasn’t without his challenges—he was also battling a broken toe. During the post-fight press conference, ‘Poatan’ addressed Conor McGregor’s withdrawal due to a similar injury, offering a candid perspective.

The Brazilian highlighted McGregor’s achievements, both in his career and financially, emphasizing the differences in their respective situations. “You can never judge people’s pain,” ‘Poatan’ said of McGregor’s withdrawal. “Different scenarios, different situations. He made his name, his money, and his life. I’m kind of halfway there. I fought with the broken toe because of my situation, but maybe if I were in his shoes, I wouldn’t have fought either. So, I can’t judge.”

What’s your take on Alex Pereira’s loss to Magomed Ankalaev? Do you believe Joe Rogan’s claims hold any weight? Considering the amount of activity the Brazilian has had in his career, it’s clear that fighting so frequently can take a toll on the body—especially at 37. Share your thoughts below.”