'I'm Disheartened': Alex Pereira Sparks Retirement Talk with UFC Criticism, Later Claims Post Was From Hacker

Former UFC Light-Heavyweight champion Alex Pereira had reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with UFC. Pereira took to social media to voice his frustration and made it known that he is "disheartened" over being undermined and discredited by the promotion, eventually hinting at taking retirement from the sport. He later disseminated that his account was hacked, and he was not the owner of the post.

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Alex Pereira Expresses Disappointment With UFC

Pereira dropped the Light-Heavyweight championship to Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313. Since then, the speculations of a rematch have remained rife, but the fight is yet to receive official confirmation. While the reason behind Pereira's complaint is unknown, those who contemplate suggest that Pereira's disappointment could have stemmed from the talks related to the rematch.

"I always answered the UFC’s calls, but if they want to play with me, we can do that. I’ve never spoken poorly of the UFC but with what I’ve just heard I’m disheartened. I’ve already had thoughts of not fighting anymore, and after what was just relayed to me this may be the start." The 37-year-old wrote on X.

Pereira's words reflected that he is genuinely hurt. However, in a scintillating development it was revealed that the words were not his.

Update

Using Instagram, Alex Pereira informed his followers that his account got hacked and the above tweet post was not made by him.

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Alex Pereira's Dominance as UFC Light-heavyweight King

After losing the Middleweight strap to long-time rival Israel Adesanya back in 2022, Alex Pereira entered the sphere of the Light-Heavyweight division. He garnered immediate success in the weight division, beating former champion Jan Blachowicz to become the number one contender for the UFC Light-Heavyweight title. He went on to secure the title at UFC 295 by beating the other contender, Jiri Prochazka. He then defended his title against Jamal Hill at UFC 300. He got the better of Prochazka again to cement his reign and then went back to successfully defend the title against Khalil Rountree Jr. After five wins in a row, he suffered a loss to Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313. Poatan was expected to return to the Octagon soon, but given the discontent he has shared, it is not difficult to guess when he will return, if he will ever.