Alex Pereira Breaks Foot in UFC 320 KO Win; Eyes 2026 White House Superfight vs Jon Jones

Alex Pereira Breaks Foot in UFC 320 KO Win; Eyes 2026 White House Superfight vs Jon Jones

How do you score a knockout in 80 seconds and still end up sidelined for the rest of the year? Just ask UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira. He walked out of UFC 320 with a massive win over Magomed Ankalaev but also a painful, hidden injury that’s putting his career on pause.

Key Takeaways

  • Alex Pereira suffered a broken foot during his first-round KO victory at UFC 320.
  • The injury likely occurred when his low kick connected with Magomed Ankalaev’s elbow.
  • He is officially out for the remainder of 2025 to recover from the fracture.
  • Pereira is targeting a return at the rumored UFC White House event in mid-2026.
  • He has expressed a strong desire for a superfight against Jon Jones upon his return.

The 80-Second Victory That Cost Him Everything

Look, the fight itself was brutally quick. Pereira finished Ankalaev in just 80 seconds, a dominant performance by any measure. But one of his signature, devastating low kicks went wrong. Instead of hitting flesh, his foot connected squarely with Ankalaev’s elbow. Pereira knew something was wrong right away, but the adrenaline of the moment pushed him through.

And here’s the thing. Ankalaev wasn’t exactly at 100% either. Reports say he fought with a broken rib he sustained during his training camp. Two warriors, both broken, giving it their all. That’s the fight game for you.

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The Painful Truth on an X-Ray

After the fight, the speculation began. But it wasn’t until a Q&A session in Rio de Janeiro between October 10-11, 2025, that Pereira laid it all out. An X-ray in Las Vegas followed by an MRI back in Brazil confirmed everyone’s fears: a confirmed foot fracture.

But honestly, are you surprised? This is the same man who has fought through a broken hand and norovirus in a previous title defense. He even broke his thumb in another bout. Fighting through pain is just what Alex Pereira does. It’s in his DNA.

What’s Next for ‘Poatan’? A White House Showdown?

So, what now? Don’t expect to see Pereira back in the Octagon in 2025. He’s made it clear he won’t rush his recovery. The new target is a massive one. He’s aiming for a comeback at the rumored UFC event at the White House, possibly on June 14, 2026.

And he’s not looking for an easy tune-up fight. Pereira has his eyes on the prize: a potential superfight with the legendary Jon Jones. Some have even whispered about a move to heavyweight. The champ isn’t just planning a return; he’s planning a takeover.

Expert Analysis

A long layoff due to a foot fracture can be tricky for a kick-heavy fighter like Pereira. His power comes from his base, and any lingering issues could impact his primary weapon. The callout of Jon Jones is ambitious and generates huge buzz, but whether that fight materializes depends entirely on his recovery and timing. It’s a high-risk, high-reward strategy.

Social Media Storm

As you’d expect, the internet is blowing up. Fans are praising Pereira’s incredible toughness, sharing clips of the fight-ending sequence. The potential matchup against Jon Jones has created a firestorm of debate, with fans arguing over who would win the superfight. The hype for his 2026 return is already building.

So, will ‘Poatan’ come back stronger than ever for the biggest fight of his life? Or will this injury prove to be a major hurdle in his legendary career? Let us know what you think.