UFC 313: Alex Pereira Arrives in Las Vegas Massively Overweight

The MMA world is buzzing with anticipation as UFC 313 fight week kicks off, but the spotlight has suddenly shifted to an unexpected concern: Alex Pereira’s weight. The UFC Light Heavyweight Champion touched down in Las Vegas on Sunday, immediately stepping on the scale to reveal a shocking figure that has left fans and pundits alike questioning the viability of his upcoming title defense against Magomed Ankalaev.

The Weigh-In Shocker

Upon arrival in Sin City, Pereira wasted no time in giving fans a glimpse of his current condition. Wearing only underwear and socks, the Brazilian powerhouse tipped the scales at a staggering 227.5 pounds (103.2 kg). This revelation has sent shockwaves through the MMA community, as Pereira now faces the daunting task of shedding 22.5 pounds in just five days to make the 205-pound light heavyweight limit.

Alex Pereira weighs 227.5lbs 5 days out #UFC313 pic.twitter.com/cJ3DErztk5

— Pedro Baptista (@mmacrash) March 3, 2025

The situation is reminiscent of Pereira’s weight cut issues leading up to UFC 313. Just a month ago, he had shocked fans by revealing he weighed 235 pounds, sparking initial concerns about his ability to make weight. While he has managed to trim down since then, the current 22.5-pound deficit is still a significant hurdle to overcome in such a short timeframe.

A History of Successful Cuts

Despite the alarming numbers, it’s worth noting that Pereira has a track record of making weight, even under challenging circumstances. During his tenure as a middleweight, where the limit is a stringent 185 pounds, Pereira consistently hit his mark. This history of successful weight cuts provides some reassurance to fans and UFC officials alike.

However, the magnitude of this particular cut cannot be understated. Cutting over 20 pounds in less than a week is a grueling process that can take a severe toll on a fighter’s body and performance. The situation has led to speculation about Pereira’s preparation and whether he may have underestimated the challenges of maintaining his weight at light heavyweight.

The UFC and Pereira’s team have remained tight-lipped about the situation, but the clock is ticking. With the official weigh-ins scheduled for Friday, all eyes will be on Pereira to see if he can pull off what would be one of the most dramatic weight cuts in recent UFC history.

Adding another layer of intrigue to the situation is Pereira’s recent $200,000 challenge to Ankalaev, where he proposed that the winner’s charity of choice receive the sum[5]. This bold move, reminiscent of past high-stakes bets between fighters, now takes on added significance given Pereira’s weight issues.

Alex Pereira believes Magomed Ankalaev is confident enough to accept this bet ahead of their light heavyweight title fight at #UFC313 👀

If the current champion wins, he wants to donate to children’s charities 👏 pic.twitter.com/iotdNmKEgF

— ESPN (@espn) March 3, 2025

As UFC 313 approaches, the MMA community is left with several burning questions: Can Pereira safely make weight without compromising his performance? Will the UFC be forced to consider contingency plans if he misses weight? And how will this last-minute drama affect the dynamics of what was already shaping up to be an explosive title fight?

One thing is certain: the next few days will be crucial for Pereira and his team as they race against time to ensure the light heavyweight championship bout goes ahead as planned. Fight fans around the world will be watching closely, eager to see if “Poatan” can overcome this unexpected hurdle and step into the Octagon ready to defend his title on Saturday night.