During his dominant win at UFC 320, Alex Pereira secured a quick TKO victory over Magomed Ankalaev in just 80 seconds. What most fans didn’t realise at the time: Pereira walked out on a broken foot.

In post-fight medical scans—a combination of an X-ray in Las Vegas and an MRI back in Brazil—Pereira confirmed he fractured his foot during the bout. He described the moment the injury occurred after delivering a kick as his opponent shifted stance.

Despite the fracture, Pereira’s focus turned immediately toward recovery and his future fight plans. UFC doctors prescribed that he wear a walking boot for another six weeks to protect the injury. Instead, Pereira made a different decision. He announced that he removed the boot early, citing concerns it could actually work against him. His reasoning: keeping the foot immobilised might lead to muscle atrophy and slow his return.

“The doctors told me to wear the boot for another six weeks.” “Are you wearing it?” “No.” “I got some more opinions… on one hand it’s good, but on the other hand it could atrophy my foot a bit more—make it harder to move around.”

Pereira emphasised that while the pain is present, it remains manageable. He says he is already consulting multiple specialists and is intent on continuing functional training rather than staying sidelined longer than necessary.

The Brazilian star—known for his devastating kick-heavy style and prior injuries to his feet and toes—believes this approach will allow for a faster, more effective return to action. He is aiming for a comeback around mid-2026, with a headline fight possible at the UFC’s planned White House card.

In the meantime, Pereira’s bold decision highlights a recurring tension in elite MMA: balancing strict medical advice with an athlete’s urgency to stay sharp, maintain mobility, and remain in contention. Whether this gamble pays off—or introduces further setbacks—remains a key story heading into the next chapter of his career.