For Alex Pereira, 2024 was unequivocally the “Year of ‘Poatan.’” Though he began the year as champion, his star power surged thanks to three consecutive title defenses. His run started by headlining the monumental UFC 300 event against Jamahal Hill, where he scored an effortless first-round knockout against a man who had never officially lost the belt.
Just two months later, Pereira stepped up on short notice to save the UFC 303 main event after Conor McGregor’s withdrawal. He faced former champion Jiri Prochazka in a rematch that proved entirely one-sided. Pereira systematically dismantled his opponent, finishing the fight with a decisive head kick. To cap off his remarkable year, he once again answered the call on short notice, headlining another pay-per-view against Khalil Rountree Jr. The bout not only resulted in another thrilling knockout victory for Pereira but also earned “Fight of the Year” consideration. By year’s end, the consensus placed Pereira alongside Ilia Topuria as the top “Fighter of the Year,” having carried the promotion as one of its most reliable and exciting pay-per-view draws.
However, less than a year after his victory over Rountree, Pereira is no longer the face of the UFC. He has since lost his title and now faces Magomed Ankalaev in a rematch this Saturday at UFC 320. While the decline of a dominant champion is a familiar story in combat sports, the sharp turn in fan perception towards Pereira is notable. The same fighting community that once celebrated his every move now directs significant criticism at the Brazilian striker.
This backlash stems largely from his handling of the rivalry with Ankalaev. Before losing his title at UFC 313, Pereira appeared reluctant to face the Dagestani contender. Despite being the clear top challenger since 2018, Ankalaev was repeatedly sidelined while Pereira and the promotion opted for what were perceived as more entertaining matchups, such as the fight against Rountree.
When the title fight with Ankalaev finally materialized, Pereira was dismissive of his opponent in the lead-up. This attitude might have been forgiven if he had delivered a signature performance, but the fight itself was widely seen as a disappointment. Ankalaev pushed the pace, threw more volume, and was the only one to put his opponent in any real danger. In contrast, Pereira, the feared knockout artist, offered a tepid and defensive performance, seemingly content to stuff takedowns and lose his title by decision. The lackluster showing and his continued dismissal of Ankalaev have soured many fans.
Where Pereira’s unconventional matchmaking and antics were once celebrated during his winning streak, they are now met with vitriol. Some critics have even begun to absurdly question his accomplishments. The saying “you’re only as good as your last fight” can, however, work both ways. If Pereira delivers a spectacular knockout to reclaim his title, the bandwagon support will likely return. The question is whether Pereira, having experienced this wave of disrespect, would be as willing to step up and save a card the next time the UFC calls.
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