TLDR
- Alex Pereira challenged Valter Walker to spar after Walker questioned his chances against Sergei Pavlovich
- Pereira offered to pay Walker his last fight purse if Walker submits him with a foot attack during sparring
- The former two-division champion accused Walker of being scared and running away from training
- Walker has won his last five fights by leg-lock submission and trains in Russia
- Pereira faces Sergei Pavlovich on December 12 at UFC 335 in Las Vegas
Sources: sherdog.com | sherdog.com
Former two-division UFC champion Alex Pereira has issued a public challenge to submission specialist Valter Walker, offering to pay him an entire fight purse if Walker can submit him during a sparring session.
The callout comes after Walker questioned how Pereira would perform against Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 335. Walker also claimed he would be a favorable matchup for the Brazilian striker.
I'm deadass crying gng this is exactly how i see Alex Pereira getting knocked tf out
pic.twitter.com/PZ99q5eSjt— Mohi (@mohithegoat) October 12, 2026
Pereira spoke with Laerte Viana and made his offer clear. “I invited him to train with me and he ran off,” Pereira said.
“I heard he was scared. He said he wasn’t a punching bag.”
The former champion did not hold back in his assessment of Walker’s reluctance. “He got scared, and now he wants to hype up something he knows isn’t going to happen,” Pereira continued.
The Full Details of Pereira’s Offer
Pereira laid out specific terms for the proposed sparring match in Las Vegas. He promised to cover all travel expenses and provide Walker with premium accommodations.
“I’m not kidding. Whenever he wants,” Pereira stated. “Let’s go to Las Vegas—I’ll fly him in from Russia, put him in first class.”
The financial incentive focuses specifically on Walker’s leg-lock expertise. “We’ll spar. If he beats me, if he catches my foot, I’ll pay him the amount of his last fight purse,” Pereira said.
Walker has built his recent career on leg-lock submissions. The Russian fighter has won his last five bouts by leg-lock submission, making him a specialist in foot attacks.
Pereira’s challenge comes as he prepares for a crucial heavyweight bout. His most recent outing saw Ciryl Gane stop him in his heavyweight debut at UFC Freedom 250.
What’s Next for Both Fighters
Pereira will face Sergei Pavlovich in the co-main event of UFC 335 on December 12 in Las Vegas. The fight represents an opportunity for Pereira to strengthen his credentials in the heavyweight division.
Walker’s comments about this matchup triggered the sparring challenge. The submission specialist predicted Pereira would struggle against Pavlovich’s skills.
Pereira’s background as a former two-division champion gives him experience at both light heavyweight and middleweight. His move to heavyweight marks a new chapter in his combat sports career.
The Brazilian fighter built his reputation on devastating knockout power. His striking ability earned him the nickname “Poatan” and multiple championship reigns.
Walker’s perspective on the matchup appears to have frustrated Pereira. The former champion’s willingness to put up significant money demonstrates his confidence in his defensive grappling.
The proposed sparring session would take place in Las Vegas, where Pereira trains. Walker would need to travel from Russia to accept the challenge.
No response from Walker has been reported following Pereira’s latest comments. The submission specialist has not publicly accepted or declined the offer.
Pereira faces Pavlovich at UFC 335 on December 12 in Las Vegas.
