Alex Pereira has retracted his earlier claim that a hacker was responsible for his heated tweet directed at the UFC, admitting that he impulsively sent the message himself. This admission comes ahead of his title rematch against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320 on October 4. Initially, Pereira expressed disappointment over missing a title shot, but now acknowledges that a lack of communication with his camp and the promotion led to his frustration. His clarity on the incident highlights the often murky lines of communication in the UFC.
Pereira’s Frustration with the UFC
When Alex Pereira first expressed discontent with the UFC, it was a stark contrast to his usual confident demeanour as a champion. After defending his title four times and then facing defeat against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313, Pereira found himself at a crossroads. His frustration stemmed from the UFC’s decision-making on title shots, particularly when discussions reportedly favoured Jiri Prochazka — a fighter Pereira had already defeated twice.
During this period of uncertainty, Pereira felt overlooked and misled about his position in the organisation. His tweet expressed dejection and hinted at retirement, fuelling speculation about his future. The emotional outburst was later attributed to a hacking incident, though he now admits this was untrue.
Clarification and Accountability
In a recent interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, Pereira set the record straight. He admitted he fired off the controversial tweet after learning through social media, rather than official channels, about Prochazka’s title fight talks.
“A little bit was miscommunication because I kind of found out through social media,” Pereira explained. He went on to say: “It’s not the UFC’s fault; it was an impulsive tweet.” His honesty shows maturity and a willingness to take accountability for his actions. Pereira also underlined the need for clearer dialogue between fighters and the promotion to avoid similar situations in future.
Alex Pereira admits he was NOT hacked and he was the one behind the angry tweet at the UFC a few months ago
“It was kind of a miscommunication between camp, manager and the UFC. It’s not the UFC’s fault.”
🎥 @arielhelwani pic.twitter.com/CyefZAElti
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) September 3, 2025
Building a Better Relationship with the UFC
Despite the earlier tension, Pereira now insists that his relationship with the UFC has improved. Grateful for the opportunities given to him, he is focused on moving forward. His upcoming rematch with Ankalaev at UFC 320 will be pivotal — a chance to reclaim his belt and re-establish himself as one of the sport’s most dominant champions.
Pereira’s openness about his tweet also demonstrates growth in how he handles the pressures of competing at the highest level. Athletes often find themselves balancing career progression with UFC’s promotional decisions, and Pereira’s experience is a reminder of how vital communication is in maintaining trust.
Comparative Difficulties: The Case of Mackenzie Dern
Pereira’s communication challenges are not unique. Fellow UFC fighter Mackenzie Dern revealed she found out about her upcoming title fight through Instagram rather than directly from UFC executives. Dern’s situation mirrors Pereira’s, pointing to a wider issue with how critical information is relayed to fighters.
Dern expressed surprise when Dana White publicly announced her bout for the vacant strawweight title against Virna Jandiroba. Like Pereira, she was left in the dark, raising questions about how the UFC communicates with its athletes and how such lapses can affect preparation and morale.
The Importance of Communication in the UFC
The UFC thrives on competition and promotion, but effective communication is essential to ensure fighters feel respected and involved. Pereira and Dern’s cases show how poor communication can escalate tensions, create public disputes, and harm trust between athletes and management.
As MMA continues to evolve globally, improving communication structures will be key to maintaining professionalism and strengthening fighter–promotion relationships. Greater transparency around matchmaking and title shots would go a long way in avoiding similar controversies.
Key Points
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Alex Pereira’s Tweet Incident | Initially claimed his account was hacked after criticising the UFC, later admitted it was an impulsive outburst. |
| Clarification | Confirmed on Ariel Helwani’s show that frustration and miscommunication led to the tweet. |
| Relationship with UFC | Pereira says relations have improved and he is focused on UFC 320. |
| Comparative Case | Mackenzie Dern also learned of her title fight via social media, highlighting systemic communication issues. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Alex Pereira say about his controversial tweet regarding the UFC?
Pereira admitted he wrote the tweet himself after learning about Jiri Prochazka’s title fight through social media, rather than official channels. He described it as an impulsive act born from frustration.
Why did Alex Pereira initially claim his account was hacked?
At the time, Pereira suggested a hacker posted the message, but later admitted this was false and that he had acted emotionally.
Is Alex Pereira still on good terms with the UFC?
Yes. Pereira has clarified that his relationship with the UFC is strong, and that the tweet incident is behind him.
What triggered Pereira’s frustration with the UFC?
He was frustrated to see discussions around Jiri Prochazka’s title shot emerging online without him being informed directly, despite having beaten Prochazka twice.
How does this situation compare with Mackenzie Dern’s experience?
Like Pereira, Dern discovered news about her title shot through social media rather than UFC management, showing recurring issues in communication between the promotion and fighters.
Conclusion
Alex Pereira’s admission that his controversial tweet was impulsive — not the result of hacking — reveals the emotional pressures fighters face when communication with the UFC breaks down. With UFC 320 fast approaching, Pereira has shifted his focus back to training and reclaiming his title. His experience, alongside Mackenzie Dern’s, highlights a bigger issue for the organisation: the need for better, more transparent communication with athletes.
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