Alex Pereira’s first fight against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 has always been remembered as a hard-fought loss. Ankalaev claimed a unanimous decision, showcasing his clinch work and precise striking. But new details reveal just how compromised Pereira was during that fight.
Mauricio Ruffy, a close friend of Pereira and UFC lightweight contender, revealed in an interview with Laerte Viana that “Alex was fighting with a cracked shin. His shin was so injured, he could barely walk.” Ruffy added, “He lost, but he still went out there and fought. Then he came out in the rematch and showed his level.”
The injuries didn’t stop there. According to Joe Rogan, Pereira also suffered from norovirus and a badly injured left hand during the first camp.
“He was sick as a dog the entire camp. His coach told me, ‘He could barely eat,’”
Rogan explained on his podcast.
“Alex Pereira went through hell before UFC 313. Cracked shin, sick as a dog, injured hand. Still made it five rounds. The rematch tells the story of a true warrior. #UFC320 #PereiraVsAnkalaev”
Mauricio Ruffy revealed Alex Pereira fought with a fractured shin in the first Ankalaev fight 😳
“Alex didn’t, but now that everything’s over, I can say it. He was fighting with a cracked shin in the first fight. His shin was so injured, he could barely walk. He lost but he… pic.twitter.com/JQeAsWGzDQ
Fast forward seven months to UFC 320, and a fully healthy Alex Pereira faced Ankalaev again. The rematch was anything but close. Pereira scored a 1:20 TKO, reclaiming the UFC light heavyweight crown.
Pereira entered the Octagon with a mission to show what he could do at full strength. His previous injuries and illness were clearly factors in the first fight, but UFC 320 left no doubt about his dominance. Post-fight, Pereira walked into interviews wearing a boot for a broken foot, recalling the scrutiny he faced after UFC 313. “I told everyone I was not in good condition last time. Nobody believed it. You saw it tonight,” he said.
What Comes Next for Pereira
Recovery is now the focus for Pereira after his back-to-back injuries. Yet he has his sights set high, calling out Jon Jones for a potential superfight, possibly on the UFC White House card next year.
Although both fighters have expressed interest, UFC CEO Dana White has suggested that the match-up will not be confirmed until early 2026. Pereira, now 38, is aiming to move up in weight and create one of the most anticipated clashes in MMA history.
Conclusion
Alex Pereira’s journey from a compromised UFC 313 loss to a decisive UFC 320 victory is a testament to resilience and determination. Fighting through a cracked shin, sickness, and a hand injury, Pereira displayed both courage and elite skill, proving why he remains one of the top fighters in the world.
This redemption arc not only solidifies Pereira’s legacy but sets the stage for potential megafights, including a long-anticipated clash with Jon Jones. UFC fans now wait with bated breath for what comes next, knowing that Pereira is back at full strength and hungrier than ever.
There are certain moments in MMA that you don't forget. October 24, 2020. Khabib Nurmagomedov sitting in the middle of the octagon at UFC 254, gloves off, crying. Not because…
