Former UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira stated that his X account was hacked on Wednesday after a cryptic tweet suggested he was retiring due to tensions with the UFC.
The explanation came after fans raised their eyebrows as Pereira’s account suggested friction between him and the organization in an instantly viral post.
“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.”
Shortly after, Pereira posted a video explaining the situation on Instagram.
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“Well, everyone, I’ve received a ton of messages from everyone who saw a post on my Twitter,” he said. “I didn’t know about it, I was hacked. It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything, you guys see, but I was hacked and I’ll resolve it.
“I don’t even know what’s going on,” Pereira added. “I have a great relationship with the UFC. People like to do bad things, that’s that. Chama.”
Poatan recently dropped his light heavyweight title in a decision loss to Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 this past March. An immediate rematch continues to be discussed, although there has yet to be an official announcement from the UFC.
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Despite winning the title controversially, Ankalaev has been actively targeting his rival on social media.
“He upset I hold him against the cage, but he not upset when I almost knock him out nobody in the world thank you won next Fight will be KO under three round,” the newly-crowned champion wrote on March 27.
A few days later, Ankalaev alluded to the supposed rematch, writing, “I have a feeling you don’t want the rematch after I agreed to August.”
Ankalaev continued to hint at allegedly failed negotiations in late April as he tagged Pereira and wrote, “Do you still like FIGHTING? I have a feeling you are done.”
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Since joining the organization in 2021, Pereira meteorically rose to superstardom. He dethroned rival Israel Adesanya from middleweight supremacy before losing their rematch and moving up a division. He then won the 205-pound title by knocking out Jiri Prochazka in his sophomore effort at light heavyweight.
His loss to Ankalaev came after finishes of Jamahal Hill, Prochazka and Khalil Rountree Jr. to defend the title. Before the defeat, Pereira was angling to be in line for potential fights against Jon Jones at heavyweight and potentially Dricus du Plessis at middleweight.
With clarity over his stance with the UFC, fans continue to wait patiently for Pereira’s next fight announcement.