Alex Pereira threatens to RETIRE and lashes out at the UFC, accusing promotion of ‘playing’ with him – before claiming he was hacked

Alex Pereira has been one the biggest stars in the UFC in recent years

Brazilian posted message on X speaking about being ‘disheartened’

He later said his account had been hacked and that he did not post message

One of the UFC’s biggest stars, Alex Pereira, has lashed out at his employers and even threatened to retire – before claiming the words were not his, saying he was hacked.

The Brazilian, who has become a fan favourite and fearsome KO artist since joining the organisation and won belts at multiple weight classes, appeared to post an emotional message on X.

The 37-year-old said: ‘I always answered the UFC’s calls, but if they want to play with me, we can do that.

‘I’ve never spoken poorly of the UFC but with what I’ve just heard I’m disheartened.

‘I’ve already had thoughts of not fighting anymore, and after what was just relayed to me this may be the start.’

He later shared a video, saying: ‘I’ve been getting a tonne of messages from everyone who saw a post on my X. I didn’t even know about it, I was hacked. It’s been a while since I posted anything. I will resolve it. I don’t even know what’s going on. I have a great relationship with the UFC. People like to do bad things.’

Alex Pereira has lashed out at the UFC on X and even said he might not fight any more

The Brazilian, 37, concerned fans with his message, in which he spoke of being ‘disheartened’ before saying he was hacked

Pereira lost a decision against Magomed Ankalaev (right) in his last outing in March

Pereira saved two cards last year, jumping in on short notice to feature in the main event of UFC 300 and UFC 303.

‘Poatan’ lost his light-heavyweight title against the Russian in March and wants an immediate rematch, which some believed would take place in June.

But now Pereira vocal contemplation of retirement would have put a spanner in the works for the UFC, who will be relieved at his follow-up explanation.

Earlier this month, Ankalaev suggested talks had stalled, writing: ‘Alex Pereira, do you still like fighting? I have a feeling you are done.’

Judging by Pereira’s latest message, it seems the hacker played on those lines.

Any uncertainty is far from ideal for the UFC, with fans also waiting for what would be the biggest fight of the year to be announced, namely a heavyweight clash between Tom Aspinall and Jon Jones.

The Brit has been pushing to face ‘Bones’ but there remains a lack of commitment to the fight from the American.