Alex Pereira claims that Khamzat Chimaev turned down a potential showdown at UFC 283. Pereira discusses his life as a champion, recovery from injury, and plans for future fights. Read more about Pereira’s journey as a middleweight champion in this article.
| Key Points |
|---|
| Alex Pereira claims Khamzat Chimaev declined a fight at UFC 283 |
| Pereira discusses his life as a champion and the challenges he faces |
| Pereira reveals he fought with a hand injury in his last fight |
| Pereira defends the referee stoppage in his last fight |
| Pereira expresses interest in a rematch with Israel Adesanya and a potential fight with Khamzat Chimaev |
| Pereira plans to celebrate his victory in Brazil with friends and family |
Alex Pereira, the current middleweight champion, recently claimed that Khamzat Chimaev declined a potential fight at UFC 283. In a recent interview, Pereira discussed his life as a champion, his recovery from injury before his last fight, and his plans for the future.
Life as a Champion
Pereira has been the middleweight champion for about two weeks, and he described the experience as a significant achievement. While he acknowledged that things have become easier after winning the belt, he also emphasized that being a champion comes with its own set of challenges.
Comparing UFC and Glory Kickboxing Titles
Pereira has previously held titles in both the UFC and Glory Kickboxing. When asked about the difference between the two, Pereira admitted that the UFC title holds more significance due to its larger scale and impact on his career.
Injury Before the Fight
Pereira revealed that he suffered a hand injury two months before his last fight. Despite tearing all the ligaments in his finger, he chose not to pull out of the fight. Pereira underwent treatment and focused on preparing his knuckles for the fight. He acknowledged that the injury did affect him during the fight but managed to push through.
Thoughts on Referee Stoppage
Pereira addressed the controversy surrounding the referee stoppage in his last fight. While some criticized the stoppage as premature, Pereira defended the decision, stating that the referee understood the situation and prioritized fighter safety. He emphasized that he was not hurt by the stoppage and commended his opponent for his performance.
Potential Future Fights
Pereira expressed his interest in a potential rematch with Israel Adesanya, the former opponent he defeated to win the belt. He also mentioned the possibility of fighting Khamzat Chimaev, who recently challenged him to a fight. Pereira proposed a bet, where both fighters would donate $50,000 to charity if he could defeat Chimaev and prevent him from taking him down in the first 30 seconds.
Social Media Presence
Pereira’s social media presence has gained attention for its unique and humorous content. He explained that he manages his own social media accounts and takes pride in creating original and entertaining content for his followers.
Celebrating the Win
Pereira plans to return to Brazil at the end of December to celebrate his victory with friends and family. He expressed his excitement for the upcoming festivities and the opportunity to give back to the community.
In conclusion, Alex Pereira’s journey as a champion has been filled with triumphs and challenges. With his sights set on future fights and continued success, he remains a force to be reckoned with in the middleweight division.
