Alex Pereira has been one of the most active champions in the UFC.
While Jon Jones has defended his heavyweight title just once in two years, Pereira defended his 205-pound light heavyweight belt four times in 16 months.
In 2024, ‘Poatan’ went 3-0, securing knockout wins over Jamahal Hill, Jiri Prochazka, and Khalil Rountree, further solidifying his legacy and championship reign.
Pereira earned a reputation for ‘saving’ UFC events, but his frequent fight schedule seemingly took a toll.
From fighting through a broken toe before UFC 300 for a quick return at UFC 303, to facing a series of health issues preceding UFC 307, ‘Poatan’ was clearly not always operating at 100 percent.
These issues reportedly contributed to Pereira`s defeat against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 in March, amid rumors of a hand injury and a battle with norovirus.
UFC Hall of Famer Don Frye Advises Alex Pereira: Take Time Off When Injured
Pereira recently received crucial advice from legendary UFC Hall of Famer and MMA pioneer Don Frye.
Appearing on Submission Radio, ‘The Predator’ cautioned ‘Poatan’ about the dangers of competing while injured.
“Well, if you’re hurt, take the time off and heal up. I never did. I always popped the pills and kept going, you know, fighting through it,” Frye said.
“That ended up making my career take a s–t, my career. Come to find out, the promoter don’t give a damn. They don’t give a damn about you. I haven’t got one Christmas card or birthday card from any promoter ever.
“And I made them all lots and lots of f–king money,” Frye added. “I almost like died in the hospital a couple of times and nobody ever called me up and said, ‘How you doing? Hope you’re better.’”
Speaking to Cronkite News in 2022, Frye estimated undergoing between 40 and 50 surgeries throughout his MMA career.
The American legend confessed he should have retired with a 15-1 record after defeating Yoshihiro Takayama at Pride 21 in 2002. Instead, he fought 15 more times until 2011, suffering eight losses.
Frye had his disagreements with Dana White during his career, even accusing the UFC president of ‘ruining the sport’ after retiring in 2012.
Alex Pereira Reportedly Declined Another Quick UFC Turnaround
While seemingly not due to injury or a specific need for rest, Pereira did recently decline an opportunity for another quick return to the Octagon this year.
After losing the light heavyweight title to Magomed Ankalaev, ‘Poatan’ was reportedly offered a rematch just over three months later, scheduled for UFC 317 on June 28.
However, according to Ariel Helwani, the proposed timeline didn`t suit the busy Brazilian.
Pereira then made headlines by seemingly threatening retirement after a disagreement with the UFC, rumored to be over the decision to give Jiri Prochazka the next title shot instead.
However, the former kickboxer soon claimed his X (formerly Twitter) account had been “hacked,” a statement not universally accepted.
Jack Thornley