TLDR
- Alex Pereira posted a video pranking training partner Ahmed Samir Hefny by pretending to pass out from a choke
- Pereira teased a ‘big challenge’ on social media as fans await his next UFC fight announcement
- The Brazilian lost his heavyweight debut to Ciryl Gane via second-round TKO
- Speculation suggests Pereira may face Sergei Pavlovich in a potential title eliminator bout
- Neither Pereira nor the UFC has officially announced his next fight or return date
Sources: sports.yahoo.com | mmasucka.com
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has posted a viral training video showing his playful side while fans wait for news about his next fight. The Brazilian fighter teased a major announcement on social media, calling it a “big challenge.”
In the Instagram video posted to his official account, Pereira worked with his coach Plinio Cruz to prank fellow fighter Ahmed Samir Hefny. The Egyptian boxer and Sanda fighter was asked by Cruz to apply a tight rear-naked choke on Pereira during training.
Pereira pretended to lose consciousness from the submission hold while grappling inside the MMA cage. When Samir checked on him with visible concern, Pereira surprised him with a smile, revealing the prank.
Alex Pereira plays a prank on his teammate and pretends to go to sleep from a choke ðŸ˜
(via @AlexPereiraUFC) pic.twitter.com/XXmmlA75dN
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) September 29, 2026
Fans React to Pereira’s Lighter Side
MMA fans flooded the comments section of Pereira’s Instagram post with reactions to the prank. One fan wrote, “Deleted the homie lol,” while another commented that Samir was “already scared when Poatan wakes up.”
Some fans referenced Pereira’s most recent fight, his heavyweight debut against Ciryl Gane. Pereira lost that bout via second-round TKO, with Gane capturing the interim UFC heavyweight championship.
Gane has since been promoted to undisputed UFC heavyweight champion. The French fighter is scheduled to defend his title against Josh Hokit at UFC 334 on November 14.
Pereira, known for his serious demeanor and knockout power, occasionally shows his comedic side on social media. The former Glory Kickboxing champion held titles at both middleweight and light heavyweight in the UFC before moving up to heavyweight.
Potential Sergei Pavlovich Fight Brewing
Neither Pereira nor the UFC has officially announced his next fight. However, speculation among MMA fans and experts suggests a potential matchup with heavyweight contender Sergei Pavlovich.
The proposed fight could serve as a title eliminator in the heavyweight division. The winner would likely earn the next shot at the UFC heavyweight championship after the Gane versus Hokit bout.
Pereira is seeking his first win in the UFC heavyweight division after the loss to Gane. The 39-year-old fighter previously held championship titles at middleweight and light heavyweight, making him one of only a few fighters to capture UFC gold in multiple weight classes.
Pavlovich is a Russian heavyweight known for his knockout power and aggressive fighting style. A matchup between the two strikers would likely generate significant fan interest.
Pereira’s coach Plinio Cruz, who appeared in the prank video, has been training the Brazilian fighter at their gym as he prepares for his return to competition. The exact date and opponent for Pereira’s next fight remain unannounced by the UFC.
