It would not be wrong to call UFC 303 the most cursed card in UFC history, as it lost exciting fighters from the card throughout. First UFC light heavyweight contender Khalil Rountree Jr. was removed after testing positive for a banned substance. Then Conor McGregor‘s highly anticipated return was canceled because of a pinky toe injury a few weeks before the fight. Additionally, shortly before their fight, Brian Ortega fell ill, thus abandoning his lightweight bout against Diego Lopes. Now, after the event, UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira has come forward to reveal his injury in a post-fight interview.

Pereira quickly proved his valor in the UFC after rising from GLORY, a Kickboxing promotion where he conquered the lightweight and light heavyweight divisions. In his journey to success, he faced numerous setbacks, including several injuries before his UFC 300 fight against Jamahal Hill. Nevertheless, he accepted a short-notice fight against Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303 as the main event, replacing Conor McGregor.

In an interview with ESPN MMA reporter Megan Olivi, when she asked Alex Pereira about adjusting his foot during his KO victory against Prochazka, his coach and translator, Plinio Cruz replied on behalf of Pereira, “Well, I just was just hurt a little bit because I probably kicked hard during the fight, but right now it’s not even as bad as it should be if it was an injury as before, so right now I am fine.” Even though Alex Pereira said he’s fine, he’s not the kind of person who overshoes his injuries. The real scenario will be known after the examination.

Furthermore, speaking of injuries, Pereira also gave positive remarks about Conor McGregor’s broken pinky toe injury in a past interview, which shows why he is not just a great fighter but also displays sportsmanship.

Pereira reacted to Conor McGregor withdrawing from UFC 303

Alex Pereira may look intimidating, but he was crowned by the MMA fraternity with a golden heart. In one of his recent interviews, he showed support for fellow two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor, who withdrew from the fight against Michael Chandler, which was scheduled for a long time.

When asked about how he felt about McGregor dropping out from the fight with the same injury that he fought through at UFC 300, Pereira, who also suffered a similar injury before his fight with Jamahal Hill where he successfully defended his title while carrying injuries, replied, “You can never judge people’s pain, Different scenarios, different situations.”

Pereira also commented on the wealth and financial security Conor McGregor has accumulated, which allows him to choose not to fight in the future if he doesn’t want to. Currently, Alex Pereira said he doesn’t feel like he has this option to fight solely by choice until he achieves financial security like Conor McGregor.

After a win at UFC 303, the fighter is not contemplating a move to heavyweight. Do you wish to Pereira fight at HW? Let us know in the comments below.