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Poirier Reveals: Pereira Fought Ankalaev at UFC 313 with a Broken Hand and Norovirus
The MMA world is buzzing after Joe Rogan dropped a bombshell on his podcast this week. UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira apparently defended his title against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 while battling not one, but TWO serious health issues. According to Rogan, “Poatan” fought with a broken hand AND norovirus infection.
Let that sink in for a second. Most of us can barely get out of bed with a stomach bug, yet Pereira was in the octagon defending UFC gold against one of the most dangerous strikers in the division.
The Shocking Revelation
During the latest episode of “The Joe Rogan Experience,” the veteran UFC commentator casually mentioned that Pereira’s performance—which many critics called “underwhelming”—was actually nothing short of heroic given his condition.
“Alex fought with a broken hand and norovirus against Ankalaev,” Rogan stated. “The guy was literally throwing up hours before the fight and still went out there and defended his belt.”
I’ve covered MMA for years, and even I’m stunned. The norovirus is infamous for causing severe vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain—symptoms that would sideline even the toughest athletes. Add a broken hand to the mix? It’s almost unbelievable.
Insert image of Alex Pereira at UFC 313 here
Rewriting the UFC 313 Narrative
This revelation completely changes how we should view Pereira’s unanimous decision victory at UFC 313. What many dismissed as a cautious performance now looks like a testament to Pereira’s warrior spirit.
The Brazilian champion relied heavily on leg kicks throughout the fight, which makes perfect sense now—he couldn’t use his hand effectively. Yet he still managed to outpoint Ankalaev in a five-round chess match.
Pereira’s Medical Timeline
| Issue | Likely Timeframe | Impact on Fight |
|---|---|---|
| Broken Hand | Likely occurred in training camp | Limited striking options, reduced power |
| Norovirus | Days before the fight | Dehydration, weakness, compromised cardio |
Not the First Time: Pereira’s History of Fighting Through Adversity
This isn’t the first time Pereira has pushed through serious injuries. Remember when he defeated Jan Blachowicz despite a toe injury that had his foot looking like something from a horror movie? The man simply doesn’t know how to back down.
What makes this situation even more impressive is that norovirus is highly contagious. The fact that Pereira didn’t withdraw shows both his commitment and the UFC’s determination to preserve a major PPV headliner.
Fan Reactions
MMA Twitter exploded after Rogan’s revelation, with fans reassessing their criticism of the champion:
- “Pereira fought with WHAT? And still won? That’s some next-level champion mentality.”
- “Anyone who criticized that performance needs to apologize. Fighting with norovirus is like fighting with a 50-pound weight vest.”
- “Ankalaev must be feeling pretty bad right now. Lost to a guy with one hand who was throwing up backstage.”
What This Means for Pereira’s Legacy
Already a two-division champion with wins over Israel Adesanya, Jan Blachowicz, Jiri Prochazka, and now Ankalaev, Pereira’s stock just rose even higher. Fighting through illness and injury isn’t new in combat sports, but the combination he faced at UFC 313 is extraordinary.
If Pereira can defeat someone of Ankalaev’s caliber while severely compromised, what might he do when fully healthy? It’s a terrifying thought for the rest of the light heavyweight division.
You have to wonder if the UFC will be more proactive in disclosing fighter injuries and illnesses moving forward. This information dramatically changes how performances are perceived and judged by fans and media alike.
What’s Next for the Champion?
While there’s been no official statement from Pereira’s team confirming Rogan’s comments, the revelation raises questions about his recovery timeline. A broken hand typically requires 6-8 weeks to heal, potentially delaying his next title defense.
The champion will likely face either Jamahal Hill or a rematch with Jiri Prochazka when he returns—hopefully with both hands functional and stomach issues resolved.
The Bottom Line
Next time you’re thinking about calling in sick to work with a stomach bug, remember that Alex Pereira defended a UFC championship while dealing with the same thing… plus a broken hand.
Some fighters talk about being warriors. Pereira just quietly embodies it.
What do you think about Pereira’s performance knowing what he was dealing with? Would you have preferred the UFC postpone the fight? Let us know in the comments below!
Source: Joe Rogan Experience Podcast, Episode #2027
