UFC Champion Disappointed in Losing Potential Alex Pereira Fight 'Aura Gone'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Michael Aldon | Last updated Mar 19, 2025 7:03 PM ET

Timing is everything. This adage rings true not just for the X’s and O’s of a fight, but for the fight business itself. Lucrative opportunities can slip away due to unforeseen circumstances. Injuries, contract disputes, and unexpected losses can derail potential high-revenue bouts. Such setbacks not only affect the fighters' earnings but also impact their career trajectories. The competitive nature of the sport means that timing and circumstances are crucial as a single misstep can result in a missed payday. Consequently, athletes must navigate a complex landscape, balancing performance, negotiations, and timing to secure the most profitable fights.

In the aftermath of UFC 313, a fight in which Magomed Ankalaev secured a unanimous decision win over Alex Pereira, UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis expressed disappointment over the potential matchup with Pereira no longer being a possibility.

In a vlog on his YouTube channel, Du Plessis reacts to the main event fight at UFC 313 remarking, "Thanks, Ankalaev, for taking the biggest payday of my life. It's nothing personal. Aura gone."

Du Plessis had previously eyed a bout against Pereira, calling out the Brazilian kickboxing titan after winning his fight against Sean Strickland at UFC 312. However, he now feels that Pereira's loss has diminished the allure of such a fight.

With Pereira's recent defeat, Du Plessis believes he must now think of other potential challengers.

In the post-fight press conference for UFC 312, he expressed interest in facing Khamzat Chimaev, the No. 3 ranked middleweight, believing Chimaev to be his next opponent and the most deserving of the middleweight title shot.

The result from UFC 313’s main event is a demonstration of how one fight can significantly alter the trajectory of fighters and the landscape of competition. As the middleweight division evolves, fans eagerly anticipate the next developments and matchups that will shape its future.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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