Alex Pereira Denies Retirement Plans After Cryptic Post Sparks UFC Tension Rumors

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has clarified that a cryptic tweet suggesting possible retirement was the result of a hacked account, following fans’ concerns about tension between him and the UFC.

Pereira, who recently lost his light heavyweight title to Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313, sparked speculation about his future after a mysterious post surfaced on his X (formerly Twitter) account. The tweet, which quickly went viral, suggested frustration with the UFC and hinted that he might be considering retirement:

“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.”

This prompted fans to speculate about potential friction between Pereira and the organization, especially after the fighter’s recent loss to Ankalaev and ongoing talks of a rematch.

Shortly after the tweet, Pereira took to Instagram to clarify the situation. In a video, he explained:

“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.”

He continued, stating, “I don’t even know what’s going on. I have a great relationship with the UFC. People like to do bad things, that’s that. Chama.”

Pereira’s comments aim to reassure fans that his relationship with the UFC remains strong despite the confusion.

The Brazilian fighter, who has risen to superstardom since joining the UFC in 2021, lost his light heavyweight title in March to Ankalaev, a fight that many viewed as a closely contested decision. While talks for a rematch have been ongoing, no official announcement has been made regarding the next steps for Pereira.

Ankalaev has kept the tension alive on social media, making multiple posts targeting Pereira, including a tweet on March 27, 2025, in which he wrote: “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 rounds.”

Additionally, Ankalaev hinted at a potential rematch in April, writing, “I have a feeling you don’t want the rematch after I agreed to August,” and later questioned Pereira’s commitment to fighting by stating, “Do you still like FIGHTING? I have a feeling you are done.”

Pereira’s rapid rise in the UFC included capturing the middleweight title after dethroning rival Israel Adesanya, though he lost to Adesanya in their rematch. Moving up a division, Pereira won the UFC light heavyweight title by knocking out Jiri Prochazka, but his reign was short-lived following his loss to Ankalaev.

Despite the setbacks, Pereira was angling for potential matchups with UFC stars Jon Jones at heavyweight and Dricus du Plessis at middleweight before his most recent defeat.

With his social media now secured and clarity on his situation, fans eagerly await Pereira’s next fight announcement, as he continues to shape his future in the UFC.