By Senior Editor Upfront Tony
UFC champion Alex “Poatan” Pereira has returned to Brazil following a recent foot injury sustained during sparring, a setback that is expected to keep him out of competition for the foreseeable future.
According to sources close to Pereira, the injury—a broken foot—occurred during a routine training session and will require significant recovery time. While surgery has not been publicly confirmed, Pereira is expected to be sidelined for several months, effectively removing him from immediate title defense discussions.
Rather than remaining in the United States to rehabilitate, Pereira has chosen to return home, opting for a quieter recovery away from the spotlight. Those close to the former kickboxing world champion describe the decision as intentional and reflective, allowing him to reconnect with his roots and reassess his next steps while healing.
During this period away from the Octagon, Pereira is reportedly considering vacating his UFC title. While no formal announcement has been made, the possibility has been discussed internally. The move would allow the division to continue moving forward in his absence and avoid an extended delay in championship activity.
Pereira’s camp has emphasized that the consideration is not rooted in uncertainty about his future, but rather respect for the sport and the competitive integrity of the division. Having captured UFC gold after a rapid rise through the ranks, Pereira has consistently framed championships as responsibilities rather than possessions.
If Pereira does choose to vacate, it would open the door for an interim or vacant title fight while he focuses on recovery. A return timeline has not yet been established, and no opponents have been discussed publicly.
For now, Pereira remains focused on rehabilitation and reflection, prioritizing long-term health over short-term opportunity. Whether he returns to reclaim the title or charts a new path upon his comeback remains to be seen—but by all indications, Alex Pereira is taking this moment to reset before the next chapter of his career.
