UFC athletes often compete while nursing injuries, with details often revealed after the fact. In a recent instance, Alex Pereira opened up about his struggles ahead of UFC 313. He confirmed health complications, yet emphasized that his opponent, Magomed Ankalaev, deserves full credit for triumphing.

Joe Rogan shared on Saturday’s podcast that Pereira contended with a broken hand and norovirus during the fight. Pereira humbly minimized his own challenges, asserting, “I don’t want to take anything from Ankalaev.” He added, “Everyone faces hurdles, and I’m sure he dealt with his own. My hand is better, but it did have an impact.”

Pereira’s commitment to return to the octagon is unwavering, as he asserted the need for an immediate rematch in the light heavyweight division, stating, “I feel that I’ve done more than enough to earn it.”

He intends to fight for the title again, confident in his struggles and past triumphs. Should he revive his title, he hopes to push for heavyweight bouts or face boxing’s Oleksandr Usyk, elaborating on his aspirations to reclaim his championship.