UFC fans are up in arms, demanding the removal of a fighter they label as the ‘most unprofessional on the roster’ if he falters at UFC 324. But here's where it gets controversial: is Alex Perez’s career on the chopping block after a string of setbacks both inside and outside the Octagon? This Saturday marks the highly anticipated return of UFC action, kicking off a new era for the organization with UFC 324. The event, headlined by stars like Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje, also features former champions such as Sean O’Malley, Rose Namajunas, and Deiveson Figueiredo. Yet, amidst the excitement, one fighter has become the center of fan frustration: Alex Perez.
The 33-year-old flyweight veteran has faced a rough patch lately, and his fight week didn’t do him any favors. Perez missed weight by 2.5 pounds, the latest in a series of scale-related issues that have plagued his career. This isn’t the first time he’s come in heavy, and fans are growing weary of his unreliability. Since earning a title shot with three consecutive wins, Perez has lost five of his last six fights, raising questions about his ability to compete at the highest level.
And this is the part most people miss: Perez’s struggles began after his title challenge against Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 255 in 2020, where he was submitted in under two minutes. Figueiredo, now competing at bantamweight, also missed weight for UFC 324, adding another layer of irony to Perez’s situation. Fans are now calling for Perez’s release if he loses to Charles Johnson this weekend, with comments like, ‘Cut Perez,’ and ‘You can always rely on Alex Perez to be unreliable,’ flooding social media.
But is this reaction fair? While Perez’s recent performance and weight issues are undeniable, is cutting him the right move, or should the UFC give him another chance? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below. As UFC enters a new era on Paramount+, what are your hopes and concerns for the organization? And could Perez’s story serve as a cautionary tale for other fighters? Join the debate and let your voice be heard!