UFC fans are up in arms, demanding the removal of a fighter they deem the 'most unprofessional' on the roster if he falters at UFC 324. But here's where it gets controversial: Is Alex Perez's spot on the UFC roster truly at risk after a string of setbacks, or is the fan backlash unwarranted? Let’s dive in.
This Saturday marks the highly anticipated return of the Octagon, kicking off a new era for the UFC with UFC 324. For the first time since December 13, mixed martial arts enthusiasts will witness a star-studded lineup in Las Vegas. Headlining the event are Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje, alongside former champions Sean O’Malley, Rose Namajunas, and Deiveson Figueiredo. And this is the part most people miss: Amid the excitement, one fighter’s future hangs in the balance—flyweight veteran Alex Perez.
Perez, a 33-year-old ex-title challenger, has faced a rough patch in recent years. His struggles were compounded during fight week when he missed weight by 2.5 pounds, the latest in a series of scale-related issues. This inconsistency has sparked fierce debate among fans, many of whom are calling for his release if he loses to Charles Johnson on Saturday.
Fun Fact: Did you know Derrick Lewis could have been fired eight years ago if Dana White had followed certain advice? (https://bloodyelbow.com/2026/01/24/derrick-lewis-would-have-been-fired-8-years-before-ufc-324-if-dana-white-took-his-advice/)
What’s your take on the UFC’s new Paramount+ era? Hopes? Concerns? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Since earning a title shot with three consecutive wins, Perez has lost five of his last six fights. His knockout of Matheus Nicolau briefly halted his losing streak, but fans are skeptical about his ability to bounce back. Social media is ablaze with criticism:
- 'Cut Perez.'
- 'He’s the most unprofessional fighter on the roster.'
- 'He pulls out of fights and now misses weight—unacceptable.'
But is this fair? Perez’s lone title shot came against Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 255 in 2020, where he was submitted in under two minutes. Figueiredo, now at bantamweight, also missed weight for UFC 324, raising questions about the scale’s role in fighter performance. (https://bloodyelbow.com/2026/01/24/deiveson-figueiredos-ufc-324-weight-miss-explained-after-the-ex-flyweight-couldnt-make-bantamweight/)
Thought-provoking question: Should fighters like Perez be given more leeway for weight misses, or is it a clear sign of unprofessionalism?
As the debate rages on, one thing is certain: Perez’s fight against Charles Johnson could be make-or-break. If he loses, fans are convinced his UFC career is over. But is this a fair assessment, or are we writing him off too soon? What do you think? Let us know in the comments—we want to hear your take!
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