Joe Rogan has proposed a possible explanation for Alex Pereira`s underwhelming performance in his recent title fight defeat at UFC 313.
Pereira, known as “Poatan,” lost his light heavyweight championship to Magomed Ankalaev in a five-round bout where Ankalaev largely dictated the pace. Pereira`s signature knockout power was absent, and his streak of three successful title defenses came to an end.
During a UFC London Fight Companion episode of his podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan stated that he had heard Pereira was struggling with both a hand injury and norovirus in the lead-up to the fight.
“They say he fought with a broken hand and norovirus against Ankalaev,” Rogan mentioned casually.
Norovirus is a viral infection that affects the digestive system, causing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Pereira has not publicly addressed any health issues prior to the March 8 pay-per-view. Rogan didn`t elaborate further on the information, but he did ponder whether Pereira might be competing too frequently after achieving three championship victories in 2024.
Rogan also recalled Pereira`s past injuries, stating, “He fought with a broken toe before. When he defeated Jiri Prochazka, his knee was messed up. Remember at the end of that fight when he stumbled? That was because his knee couldn`t support him. He was essentially fighting on one leg in that first fight. He then had surgery, likely meniscus-related, given his quick return.”
Ankalaev entered the title fight with a 13-fight unbeaten record and employed a strategic striking game plan to neutralize Pereira, landing the most significant strike of the fight in the second round. He ultimately secured a unanimous decision victory and became the new UFC light heavyweight champion.
Rogan acknowledged Ankalaev`s dominant performance.
“In the second round of the Ankalaev-Pereira fight, Pereira was rocked and seemed different afterward, becoming more defensive,” Rogan commented. “I watched a good analysis of Ankalaev’s striking against Pereira, and it was very sophisticated, particularly how he controlled Pereira`s lead hand and manipulated angles.”
The future is uncertain for Pereira, the former two-division champion who has rapidly become a popular figure in the UFC. A rematch seems likely if Pereira desires it, but the light heavyweight division is full of contenders for Ankalaev, and Pereira has hinted at a potential move to the heavyweight division.
Rogan believes an immediate rematch between Ankalaev and Pereira is probable.
“They are going to run it back, I’m sure,” Rogan predicted. “It’s the biggest fight to make in that division, assuming Pereira is healthy. But he is competing very often.”
