Highlights
- Alex Pereira hints at UFC 301 appearance with playful Instagram post, leaving fans guessing about his next move.
- Pereira’s manager confirms absence from UFC 301 due to broken toe, emphasizing focus on recovery over competition.
- Manager dismisses talks of champion versus champion fight with Tom Aspinall, hints at future heavyweight division move.
UFC light heavyweight champion and former middleweight champion Alex Pereira teases an appearance at UFC 301 in a cryptic post. The Brazilian superstar is coming off a quick first-round knockout of Jamahal Hill at UFC 300 and made it clear he wants to make a quick return.
Since it is UFC 301 fight week with a UFC Flyweight Championship bout between current champion Alexandre Pantoja and Steve Erceg expected to headline the event and Jose Aldo returning in the co-main event, it is more likely that Pereira is teasing an announcement, possibly a fight with Tom Aspinall for the interim UFC heavyweight title.
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Alex Pereira Teases UFC 301 Appearance
‘Chama’ Has Left His Fans Bewildered
UFC fans were taken on a rollercoaster of emotions as Alex Pereira teased a potential appearance at UFC 301 through an Instagram post. The Brazilian fighter shared a clip where he’s seen signing what seems to be a contract, followed by a humorous pre-fight photoshoot featuring shadow boxing antics.
However, keen-eyed viewers noticed Pereira sporting what appeared to be a broken toe, an injury sustained just two weeks prior to his supposed bout at UFC 300. This led many to speculate that Pereira’s post was more of a playful prank rather than a serious announcement, showcasing the fighter’s knack for engaging with his audience in unconventional ways.
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Pereira’s Manager Confirms UFC 301 Absence Due to Injury
The UFC Champion Needs To Recover From His Broken Toe
In a recent statement to MMA Fighting, Jorge Guimarães, manager of UFC fighter Pereira, confirmed that his client will not be participating in the upcoming UFC 301 event. Citing a broken toe and the need for recuperation, Guimarães emphasized that Pereira’s focus is on recovery rather than competing in Rio de Janeiro on May 4.
Guimarães further elaborated on Pereira’s situation, revealing that the fighter is slated to take a break and reflect on his recent victories. Although Pereira may attend the event as a spectator, Guimarães firmly ruled out any potential fights for his client at this time.
The absence of Pereira hasn’t gone unnoticed, as UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall was seen observing Pereira’s preparations from ringside at the T-Mobile Arena. Guimarães humorously remarked that Pereira’s performance left Aspinall in awe, jokingly suggesting it “made Aspinall’s hair stand on end.”
Regarding potential future matchups, Guimarães dismissed talks of a champion versus champion clash between Pereira and Aspinall in Manchester, deeming such discussions premature. He expressed reservations about the risk Aspinall would undertake by facing Pereira, emphasizing that it might not be a prudent move for the interim champion.
Looking ahead, Guimarães outlined plans for Pereira to defend his light heavyweight title, but also hinted at the possibility of moving up to the heavyweight division if the UFC presents a compelling offer. The manager remains open to exploring all avenues for his client’s future in the octagon.
