Alex Pereira could be sidelined after an injury suffered at UFC 320.
LAS VEGAS – Alex Pereira believes he suffered a significant injury at UFC 320.
"It's my foot, and I'm pretty sure it's broken," Pereira told reporters through an interpreter during a post-fight news conference.
The light heavyweight title changed hands once again when Pereira (13-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC) got revenge on Magomed Ankalaev. "Poatan" finished Ankalaev (21-2-1 MMA, 12-2-1 UFC) in the first round with vicious 12-6 elbows on the ground after rocking him with a big right hand.
It seemed like a flawless performance, yet after celebrating the big moment, Pereira bent down to check on the condition of his feet. Apparently, severe damage was caused while kicking the legs of Ankalaev, a tactic he picked up from a former champion.
"I had a really good strategy that I saw that worked for (Jan) Blachowicz," Pereira said. "The inside calf kicks were working. I threw a few of those, and then he switched stances and I think I was in the wrong range. I threw another kick to his lead leg, and it landed on the tip of my foot, and I think it's broken."
Considering his stone-faced demeanor, it would have been impossible to detect the potential injury to Pereira if he had not checked on his foot. Even watching a replay of the fight, there is no indication that Pereira suffered significant damage. Pereira threw three consecutive kicks: two to the inside calf and a third, which apparently caused the injury, to the lead leg, as he explained.
Pereira arrived at the post-fight news conference in a walking boot.
There are 26 bones in a human foot. Depending on which bone or bones may have fractured, Pereira could be sidelined anywhere from six to 12 weeks, the average recovery time span.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC 320: Alex Pereira believes he suffered significant injury
Category: General Sports
