UFC 307 Showdown

In an exhilarating showdown at UFC 307 on October 5, Alex Pereira defended his light heavyweight title with a spectacular fourth-round knockout of Khalil Rountree Jr. However, almost a month later, the champion is still grappling with the physical aftermath of the fight—specifically, a painful hand.

Pain and Resilience

During a recent appearance on the popular Brazilian podcast Podpah, Pereira candidly shared his experience. “In that fourth round, I was throwing jabs and really hurting my hand,” he explained. “I thought to myself, ‘My hand must be broken.’ It still hurts occasionally. If I squeeze it like this, I definitely feel a twinge of pain.”

Impressive Record in 2024

Pereira’s resilience is commendable; since moving up to the light heavyweight division, he has displayed remarkable prowess, boasting an impressive 3-0 record in 2024 alone, highlighted by three knockouts. His victories against top fighters like Jamahal Hill and Jiri Prochazka solidify his position as a formidable contender in the 205-pound category.

Strategic Reflections

Reflecting on his strategy during the fight, Pereira remarked, “I realized the jabs were effective, and I wanted to inflict damage. But then, when I connected right on his forehead—the hardest part of the body—I regretted it a bit as the pain shot through my hand,” he chuckled, recalling the moment.

Looking Ahead

Fans eagerly await Pereira’s next move, but one thing is clear: the champion is not only battling opponents in the octagon but also the lingering pains of victory. Will he take time off to heal, or is another fight on the horizon? Only time will tell!