In the world of professional combat sports, a decisive knockout victory is typically the ultimate statement. For Alex Pereira, however, his thunderous 80-second finish over Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320, while securing revenge and the light heavyweight crown, left an unexpected void. The champion recently revealed a peculiar regret: the fight ended too soon for him to deliver a specific, symbolic gesture – a “Sao Paulo Slap.”
The Echo of a Slap: Beyond the Knockout Blow
The rematch between Pereira and Ankalaev was fraught with tension. Earlier in the year, Ankalaev had secured a contentious decision victory, a result that undoubtedly fueled Pereira`s motivation. At UFC 320, “Poatan” delivered on his promise, swarming the Russian with brutal efficiency, culminating in a stoppage that reaffirmed his status as an elite striker.
Yet, amidst the celebration and the recaptured title, Pereira`s mind drifted to an opportunity missed. He envisioned a moment of psychological one-upmanship, a specific type of humiliation he planned to inflict before the final blow. “I promised to slap his face and I couldn’t do that,” Pereira stated, referencing a move famously associated with the unfiltered combat icon, Nate Diaz.
The `Diaz Slap`: A Legacy of Psychological Warfare
For those unfamiliar with the subtle nuances of combat sports theatrics, a slap in the Octagon is far more than a mere open-handed strike. It`s a calculated insult, a deliberate act of disrespect that seeks to not only inflict minor physical contact but, more importantly, to shatter an opponent`s composure and pride. Nate Diaz, with his signature Stockton lean and open-handed pop, elevated the slap to an art form – a visceral declaration of superiority, often delivered in moments of overwhelming dominance.
Pereira`s intention to unleash a “Sao Paulo Slap” suggests a deeper layer to his competitive drive. It wasn`t merely about winning; it was about asserting total, undeniable dominance, physically and psychologically. The knockout, while effective, was a technical finish. The slap, by contrast, is a personal statement, an almost theatrical punctuation mark on a rivalry.
The Referee`s Early Intervention: A Double-Edged Sword
The stoppage itself came from referee Herb Dean, who intervened as Pereira landed a flurry of elbows after an initial powerful punch. Ankalaev, who reportedly suffered an injury leading into the bout, was unable to continue. Pereira, however, believes the fight could have “gone a little longer.” This sentiment is not a critique of the stoppage`s legitimacy from a safety standpoint, but rather a lament that the narrative of his revenge was cut short just shy of its intended, somewhat controversial, climax.
It raises an interesting question: in the heat of a high-stakes rematch, does a fighter desire not just victory, but a complete, undeniable psychological triumph, even if it borders on perceived theatrics? For Pereira, a man known for his stoic demeanor and brutal efficiency, this revelation offers a glimpse into a competitive psyche that yearns for more than just a win-loss record. He sought to etch a memory, both for himself and his opponent, that transcended the scorecards.
Beyond the Light Heavyweight Horizon: Jones and the Pursuit of Absolute Dominance
Pereira`s ambitions, as always, extend beyond his current division. He`s openly discussed a potential move to heavyweight, with the colossal challenge of tempting Jon Jones out of retirement for a “UFC White House” event. This relentless pursuit of the next, greater challenge further illustrates his mindset. For Pereira, the journey is not just about collecting belts but about conquering every perceived peak, dominating every adversary, and leaving no doubt – or perhaps, no psychological jab – unthrown.
While commentators urge him to consolidate his reign at light heavyweight, Pereira`s gaze is already fixed on new horizons. His “regret” over the unlanded slap serves as a testament to this insatiable drive. A champion`s victory is measured not just in knockouts, but sometimes, in the silent, unfulfilled promise of a single, unforgettable gesture.
Benedict Kingsley 
Rupert Hartwell