Alex Pereira has flatly denied allegations from Magomed Ankalaev’s staff that he utilized a greasing substance forward of their UFC 313 title combat earlier this month, claiming the coach answerable for the declare is making “excuses” as to why no takedowns had been scored.
Pereira, a former middleweight champion, dropped his mild heavyweight in addition earlier this month in a bitter grudge combat with Russian rival, Ankalaev — who lastly scooped the 205lbs crown on the second time of attempting.
And seeing his unbeaten run on the mild heavyweight restrict halted in a controversial resolution loss, Sao Paulo knockout kingpin, Pereira had sprung a complete of three profitable title defenses final 12 months alone in a splendid marketing campaign.
Nevertheless, following his loss to Ankalaev, Pereira was slapped with an accusation of greasing by Sukhrab Magomedov, who questioned an obvious gleam or shine to the Brazilian’s pores and skin following 5 rounds of combating — with out obvious sweat.
“If my expertise isn’t fallacious, that’s what I’d say was the case. The sweat didn’t move off his physique, it gelled up. That’s what it seems to be like on his physique, too. Magomed mentioned afterwards that he smelled like he had some ointment on and was sticky.
“Let’s not forget that Glover Teixeira is a veteran of the game and knows all the tricks.”
Alex Pereira denies greasing accusations after UFC 313 loss
Nevertheless, talking with Ariel Helwani for Uncrowned this night, Pereira staunchly denied he used any form of substance pre-fight to achieve a wrestling advange, claiming Magomedov was simply making “excuses” for the failed takedown makes an attempt.
“I absolutely didn’t put anything on my body,” Alex Pereira mentioned. “For me, that’s him trying to make an excuse to justify the fact that he (Sukhrab Magomedov) trained a guy to take me down, but the guy got stuffed for 12 of his takedown attempts. You didn’t do what you’re supposed to do, and now you’re trying to make excuses to justify that.”
Alex Pereira responds to greasing allegations:
“I absolutely didn’t put anything on my body. For me, that’s him trying to make an excuse to justify the fact that he trained a guy to take me down, but the guy got stuffed for 12 of his takedown attempts. You didn’t do what you’re… pic.twitter.com/X44Yww0vyT
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) March 26, 2025
