Alex Pereira left UFC 320 as a two-time light heavyweight champion after defeating Magomed Ankalaev in stunning fashion. The Brazilian knockout artist needed just over a minute to reclaim his title, but his celebration was short-lived after revealing he suffered a foot injury during the fight.
Speaking to fans at a Q&A session in Rio de Janeiro, Pereira explained that post-fight scans showed a fracture that will keep him out for several months.
“I did an X-Ray in Las Vegas and an MRI here and we have a fracture on my foot, but I still don’t know what will happen, or how long it will take for me to recover,” Pereira said. “I think it’s good to focus on this White House date, it’s something that interests me. I think I’ll focus on this.”
The White House event, mentioned publicly by former President Donald Trump, is expected to take place in June. Pereira hopes to return in time for that card and is already setting his sights on a possible matchup with UFC legend Jon Jones.
Pereira On His Victory And Fight Strategy
Pereira’s quick win at UFC 320 left no doubt about his striking power. After flooring Ankalaev early, he followed up with a barrage of elbows that forced the referee to step in.
“It was a great sensation,” Pereira said. “We train hard for that. We want to be in there and give our best, be the best. I landed a clean punch before the elbows and he came grabbing my legs. There was an opening and my elbow landed clean. When I landed the first one and saw blood, I started hitting and the referee stopped it. But I think it could have gone a little longer because I promised to slap his face and I couldn’t do that.”
Addressing Ankalaev’s Injury Claims
Reports surfaced after the fight that Ankalaev had entered the bout with a rib injury. Pereira said he had no knowledge of that and rejected the idea that it influenced the result.
“I can’t know, but if it was already injured, it hurt it even more with the elbows,” Pereira said. “You can’t give excuses. I had a thousand excuses to say, but waited to say when we were about to fight again. They’re already giving away excuses to maybe take away my merits, I don’t know.” via MMAFighting
Pereira’s first meeting with Ankalaev at UFC 313 ended in controversy after a disputed stoppage and rumors that he had been fighting while sick and injured. The rematch at UFC 320 provided a decisive ending, with Pereira reclaiming his title and silencing any doubts about who the better fighter was that night.
Now recovering from his foot fracture, Pereira plans to take the time needed to heal before making his return, ideally at the historic White House event next year.
