Aljamain Sterling believes that Alex Pereira’s relentless UFC schedule might have finally caught up with him. It’s no secret that MMA fighters push their bodies to the limit, but even by UFC standards, Pereira’s pace has been nothing short of extreme. His grueling schedule and high-level competition may have been key factors in his recent loss.
At UFC 313, held at the iconic T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Pereira (12-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) saw his light heavyweight title slip away as Magomed Ankalaev (21-1-1 MMA, 12-1-1 UFC) secured a dominant unanimous decision victory. While Ankalaev’s skill and game plan played a crucial role, Sterling—himself a former champion—believes that Pereira’s back-to-back battles took a toll on his body and performance.
Pereira isn’t just an active fighter—he’s a machine. In a record-breaking feat, he defended his UFC title three times within just 175 days, the shortest time span for three title defenses in UFC history. That’s a staggering workload for anyone, let alone a champion in one of the sport’s most punishing weight classes. To put it into perspective, he was one of only seven fighters in 2024 to accomplish three title defenses in a single calendar year.
Sterling took to his YouTube channel to voice his concerns, and he didn’t hold back. “Pereira fights way too often,” Sterling stated. “Three title defenses in seven months? That is insanity! And it’s not like these were easy fights where he coasted to victory. Sure, you could argue that the Jamahal Hill fight didn’t do much damage. OK, cool, I get that. But the Jiri fight? He took some real shots in that one. Then there’s the Khalil Rountree fight—now that was a war. He took some big hits there.”
The concern isn’t just about how frequently Pereira is stepping into the Octagon—it’s about what happens in between. Fighters need time to recover, both physically and mentally. The body can only handle so much before it starts breaking down, and Sterling pointed out that Pereira’s recovery time might be too short.
“You look at the way he trains—this guy barely takes any time off,” Sterling continued. “He’s bouncing right back into the gym maybe a week or two after a fight. That’s insane. When does he actually let his body rest? When does he give his brain, his chin, and everything a chance to recover? If you keep stacking fight after fight, training session after training session, without real recovery time, eventually, your body won’t be able to keep up. You won’t be giving the best version of yourself in the cage every single time.”
Pereira’s style also adds another layer of concern. He’s not a point fighter; he’s an aggressive, high-damage striker who engages in battles that test both his power and durability. That kind of fight style requires even more recovery time, but instead, Pereira keeps pushing forward with little rest. It’s a risky approach, and UFC history has shown that even the toughest fighters eventually feel the effects of an overloaded schedule.
Now, despite his recent setback, Pereira isn’t taking much of a break. In true warrior fashion, the UFC seems to be gearing up for an immediate rematch between him and Ankalaev. While fans love a good redemption story, one can’t help but wonder: Is Pereira giving himself enough time to be at his absolute best for this fight? Or will the constant grind catch up to him again?
Of course, Pereira isn’t one to make excuses. He’s proven time and time again that he’s willing to take on any challenge, no matter the stakes. But even champions need rest. Sterling’s observations bring up a valid discussion about longevity in the sport. Could this be a wake-up call for Pereira? Or will he double down on his intense schedule and push forward regardless?
One thing is certain—fans are in for an exciting rematch whenever it happens. Pereira’s resilience, striking power, and warrior mentality have made him a fan favorite, and he’s far from done in the UFC. But as Sterling pointed out, fighting smarter—not just harder—might be the key to ensuring a long and successful career at the top.
What do you think? Should Pereira slow down his schedule and give himself more recovery time? Or is his relentless approach what makes him the champion he is? Either way, the road ahead promises fireworks, and the UFC light heavyweight division is more thrilling than ever.
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