Rogan Suggests Pereira Fought Ankalaev with Broken Hand and Illness

Joe Rogan has offered 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 unanimous decision after a five-round fight where Ankalaev largely dictated the pace. Pereira`s signature knockout power was absent as his streak of successful title defenses ended.

During a UFC London Fight Companion episode of his podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan mentioned hearing that Pereira was struggling with both a hand injury and norovirus during the fight.

“They are saying he fought with a broken hand and norovirus against Ankalaev,” Rogan stated casually.

Norovirus is a gastrointestinal illness causing symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Pereira has not publicly commented on any health issues leading up to the March 8th pay-per-view. Rogan also speculated if Pereira`s busy schedule of three championship fights in 2024 might be catching up to him.

Rogan added, “He`s fought with a broken toe before. When he defeated Jiri Prochazka, he had a bad knee. That stumble at the end of that fight was because his knee gave out. He was practically fighting on one leg. He had surgery afterwards, likely meniscus, given his quick return.”

Ankalaev entered the fight with a 13-fight unbeaten run and employed a strategic striking game to neutralize Pereira, landing the most significant strike in the second round. He ultimately secured a unanimous decision victory and the UFC light heavyweight title.

Rogan acknowledged Ankalaev`s dominant performance, stating, “In the second round against Ankalaev, Pereira was rocked and seemed different afterward, becoming more defensive. A breakdown of Ankalaev’s striking against Pereira showed a very high level of skill, particularly in controlling Pereira’s lead hand and angles.”

The future is uncertain for Pereira, the former two-division champion and popular UFC fighter. A rematch with Ankalaev is possible, but the light heavyweight division has many contenders, and Pereira has hinted at a move to heavyweight.

Rogan believes an immediate rematch between Ankalaev and Pereira is likely. “They will probably do a rematch, I’m sure,” Rogan predicted. “It’s the biggest fight in the division, especially if Pereira is healthy. But he is very active.”