Alex Pereira has suggested that Josh Hawkins may not have a future in the UFC following his upcoming fight on the White House card. Pereira stated he has heard unspecified things about Hawkins but declined to elaborate, while acknowledging Hawkins cannot be removed from the card at this stage. The light heavyweight champion made clear he was not criticizing Hawkins directly, but left his continued place in the promotion an open question.
Reports emerged on June 10 that light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has cast doubt over Josh Hawkins's long-term future in the UFC, though the comments remain unconfirmed and the situation is still developing ahead of UFC White House on June 14.
Pereira, speaking in what appears to be an informal setting, indicated he had heard unspecified information about Hawkins without elaborating on the details. The Brazilian champion acknowledged that Hawkins could not be pulled from the card at this point, and was careful to note he was not directly criticizing the fighter. Even so, he left the clear impression that Hawkins's place in the promotion beyond this event is far from certain.
Pereira, nicknamed "Poatan," holds a 13-4 record and stands as the reigning light heavyweight champion at 38 years old. The six-foot-four Brazilian, who trains out of Teixeira MMA and Fitness, carries an exceptional striking output of 5.16 significant strikes landed per minute at a 62 percent striking accuracy rate — numbers that underline his reputation as one of the most dangerous knockout artists in the division. His reach of 79 inches adds to an already imposing physical profile.
Why it matters
- The comments, if accurate, suggest internal conversations about Hawkins's roster status may already be taking place at the organizational level.
- With UFC White House just days away, any tension surrounding a fighter on the card raises questions about the promotion's post-event plans.
- Pereira's public profile as champion gives his words added weight, even when he stops short of a direct accusation or claim.
No official statement from the UFC or Josh Hawkins has been issued in response to Pereira's remarks, and the story should be treated as unconfirmed until further clarity emerges.
Sunday, June 14, 2026
