Alex Pereira is now just just a few weeks out from making his first appearance of 2025, trying to proceed his form as 2024 Fighter of the 12 months.
Throughout 2024, no champion defended their title more times than Alex Pereira, with the Brazilian superstar successfully holding onto his 205lb title after three defenses.
Despite his 12 months having not kicked off yet, Pereira was within the corner of Sean Strickland for his UFC 312 title challenge against Dricus Du Plessis.
Following the fight, the Pereira stayed out in Australia for some time, meeting with fans and going to Drake live shows which has resulted in some criticism.
Alex Pereira responds to criticism from Daniel Cormier regarding UFC 313 preparation
At UFC 313 on March 8, ‘Poatan’ will tackle potentially his hardest test so far in his MMA profession, Magomed Ankalaev.
The dominant Russian is most well-known for his dominant and controlling wrestling approach, which many imagine could possibly be Pereira’s kryptonite.
Someone who has been heavily critical of Pereira’s preparation antics, is Daniel Cormier. Cormier has questioned Pereira’s focus, stating that he has seen firsthand how locked in Ankalev is, wondering what Pereira was doing in Australia days after UFC 312.
Not only that, but Pereira has been talking a couple of potential boxing fight against Oleksandr Usyk after he was called out by the Ukrainian champion.
Nonetheless, despite the criticism he has received from the previous UFC double champion, the 37-year-old issues a response to the commentator.
“Don’t worry, Daniel Cormier, we’re over here working,” Pereira said in a series of posts on his Instagram story, ending with a video of him training his takedown defense at Teixeira MMA.
Chael Sonnen also chimes in on Alex Pereira’s training regime
Cormier isn’t the one UFC legend that has been critical of Pereira’s UFC 313 preparation, as Chael Sonnen has also shared his concerns.
‘Poatan’ recently shared a training video where he was sparring knowledgeable boxer and wasn’t wearing a headguard.
Sonnen stated that it ‘bothers’ him that Pereira wasn’t wearing head protection as he is probably going taking years off his profession.
Despite the wide concern for the 37-year-old, he has only suffered one knockout loss up to now during his MMA profession and showcased in his last fight against Khalil Rountree Jr that he can take quite a lot of punishment.
