In early 2026, UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira grabbed headlines for his off-cage activities. Towards the end of 2025, Pereira showed interest in competing at the UFC White House event in June. However, just before the new year, he revealed that discussions with the UFC made it unlikely for him to participate in this landmark event. Since then, it’s been his actions outside the cage that have drawn attention, as he enters the new year as one of the sport’s most popular fighters.

At the start of the year, Pereira publicly shared his relationship with fellow UFC athlete Tracy Cortez, a move that captivated MMA fans by offering a rare glimpse into his personal life. Shortly after, Pereira posted a heartfelt video on social media where he surprised his father with a new golf cart, expressing gratitude for his father’s sacrifices raising seven children. Known for keeping his personal life private, this gesture along with images of a new mansion his parents bought thanks to his UFC success, highlighted his deep family appreciation.

Currently, the timing of Pereira’s return to the Octagon remains uncertain. While he remains hopeful for a heavyweight clash with Jon Jones, talks for that fight have stalled. Pereira is recovering from a broken foot, though it is unclear if this injury alone explains his absence from competition.

Fan Take: This news stands out because it humanizes a top UFC star, showing that fighters have rich personal lives beyond the cage. Pereira’s potential heavyweight move and high-profile matches could significantly shape the future of the sport, keeping fans eager for what’s next.