Brazilian professional mixed martial artist and former kickboxer Alex Pereira recently revealed that the guy following him was not a Walmart employee as it was first believed by many. In fact, the amusing video in which the 36 years old seemed to be being pursued by a Walmart employee, was actually a publicity stunt.
The UFC has partnered with USADA, an organization renowned for its anti-doping initiatives, to ensure fair competition. Although its presence has raised privacy issues among fighters who feel like their personal space is being invaded during testing processes. However, leaving it all behind, Pereira is now focusing on his impending fight.
Alex Pereira explains viral Walmart video
The former champion, Alex Pereira, recently clarified the circumstances surrounding his popular Walmart video. The video showed “Poatan” visiting a nearby Walmart, where he noticed a man following him while he was shopping. At first, it was assumed that the follower was an employee worried about possible shoplifting. However, he stated that the individual was a member of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).
Alex Pereira reveals the Walmart employee that was following him in his viral video was actually a USADA agent #UFC291 pic.twitter.com/lZkT40G29r
— MMA Mania (@mmamania) July 26, 2023
In a press conference on media day before UFC 291, where Pereira will face Jan Blachowicz in his light heavyweight debut, the athlete clarified that the video was meant to be a joke. He tricked viewers into thinking a company employee was following him, but in reality, it was a USADA agent who had been assigned to do so following the agency’s visit to Pereira’s house.
Alex Pereira rumored to get title shot next after UFC 291
There are significant indications that the winner of Jan Blachowicz vs. Alex Pereira could be in line for a title shot in the light heavyweight division as UFC 291 draws near. UFC 291, which will be headlined by the BMF Championship fight between Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje, will also feature “John” and “Poatan” in the co-headlining spot, with many speculating that the victor will be given the opportunity to compete for the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.
The title became vacant after Jamahal Hill relinquished it due to an Achilles rupture. As former UFC champions in their respective weight divisions, Blachowicz and Pereira will be squaring off in this high-stakes contest.
While the Brazilian, a former UFC Middleweight Champion and GLORY two-division champion, wants to make a great impression in his light heavyweight debut, Blachowicz, a former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, is determined to win the championship twice.
According to “John”, if he wins, the following bout will be for the title according to the terms of his contract. This suggests that, if Alex Pereira defeats Blachowicz, there is a very good chance that he will get his title shot after UFC 291.
