Alex “Poatan” Pereira is a man of few words but many impactful strikes. His recent, emphatic 80-second knockout victory over Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320, which saw him reclaim the undisputed light heavyweight title, was nothing short of a masterful display of striking prowess. Yet, amidst the jubilation and the reclaiming of his throne, Pereira harbors an unusual regret – not about the win itself, but about a missed opportunity for a distinctly “Diaz-esque” psychological flourish.
The Swift Retribution and the Lingering `What If`
The narrative leading into UFC 320 was one of redemption for Pereira, aiming to avenge an earlier decision loss to Ankalaev. What transpired was a brutal, swift dismantling, a testament to Pereira`s power and precision. The bout ended abruptly with a series of concussive elbows after a clean punch, leaving Ankalaev stunned and the referee, Herb Dean, stepping in.
However, Pereira`s post-fight reflection was less about the perfect execution and more about an unfulfilled promise to himself. He revealed a desire to deliver a “Sao Paulo Slap” to Ankalaev, a direct homage to the infamous taunts of Stockton`s own Nate Diaz, known for his open-hand slaps mid-fight. “I promised to slap his face and I couldn’t do that,” Pereira lamented, suggesting the stoppage might have been “a tad too early.”
This seemingly minor detail opens a fascinating window into the fighter`s psyche. Was it a pure act of disrespect? Or was it a calculated move, intended to demoralize an opponent and assert absolute, undeniable dominance? Given the history between the two, stemming from Ankalaev`s earlier win and perhaps some pre-fight verbal exchanges, Pereira might have sought a complete psychological victory in addition to the physical one.
The Art of the Taunt: From Diaz to Poatan
Nate Diaz perfected the art of the in-fight taunt. His slaps, often delivered with a smirk, were not just physical strikes but psychological warfare, designed to break an opponent`s composure and spirit. For Pereira to explicitly invoke this technique suggests a deeper understanding of fight psychology beyond mere physical combat. It implies a desire not just to win, but to leave an indelible mark, to assert a dominance that transcends the scorecard or even the knockout blow.
The irony, of course, is that Pereira delivered a knockout so decisive, so definitive, that a slap would arguably have been redundant. Yet, for a fighter like Poatan, perhaps the nuance of the humiliation, the sheer audacity of an open-hand strike in the midst of a violent exchange, held a unique appeal. It speaks to an almost playful, albeit ruthless, side of his competitive nature.
Referee Intervention and Fighter Frustration
Pereira`s sentiment regarding the “early” stoppage also highlights a common point of contention in MMA: the referee`s discretion. While Herb Dean is an experienced official, moments like these underscore the subjective nature of determining when a fight has truly concluded. From a fighter`s perspective, especially one in the throes of a dominant performance and seeking ultimate psychological leverage, an early intervention can feel like a robbed opportunity.
Interestingly, Ankalaev`s camp later cited a severe injury setback pre-fight. Pereira, however, claimed to be unaware of any such issues, reinforcing his singular focus on the task at hand and his desire for an unblemished, absolute victory – slap included.
Beyond the Slap: Pereira`s Future Ambitions
This episode, while seemingly trivial, paints a vivid picture of Alex Pereira`s mindset. He is not merely content with victory; he seeks absolute, undisputed supremacy, both physical and psychological. This drive will undoubtedly fuel his future endeavors.
Whispers of a potential move to heavyweight to challenge Jon Jones, a monumental clash, already circulate. However, some commentators urge caution, suggesting unfinished business at light heavyweight. Regardless of the weight class, one thing is clear: Alex Pereira will continue to pursue dominance with every tool at his disposal, whether it`s a concussive elbow, a precise punch, or, if the referee allows, a well-timed, psychologically impactful “Sao Paulo Slap.” His path is not just about winning; it`s about making a statement, and sometimes, the statements are as subtle as a fleeting regret.
Marcus Bellamy