Tensions nearly boiled over between Alex Pereira and Jamahal Hill while both light heavyweights trained at the UFC Performance Institute this week.
UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira and former titleholder Jamahal Hill‘s beef used to be strictly competitive. But in recent months, things have escalated between the two sides after trading barbs on social media, and they nearly got physical before coaches intervened.
Pereira, who defended the UFC light heavyweight title at UFC 307 in October, is preparing to make his next title defense next year. He’ll likely face Magomed Ankalaev, who is on a lengthy unbeaten streak and has poked at the superstar Pereira for months.
Hill has the opportunity to potentially skip the line when he faces Jiří Procházka at UFC 311 next month. An impressive showing, particularly a finish, could be enough to warrant a rematch against Pereira.
Since their UFC 300 clash, tensions have sizzled between Pereira and Hill. After Hill was caught yawning in reaction to Pereira’s finish at UFC 307, Pereira hit back by reminding Hill of their first go-around in the Octagon.
Alex Pereira and Jamahal Hill separated at the UFC PI after Pereira threw gloves
As both fighters got some work in at the UFC Performance Institute, a verbal altercation nearly turned physical when Pereira threw a pair of gloves at Hill. Despite Pereira challenging Hill to an impromptu fight, Pereira’s coach stepped in and separated them before chaos ensued.
In the below clip, as shared by Full Send MMA, Pereira can be seen working on the mats as Hill walks up to him for a brief conversation. While things seemed relatively innocuous initially, Pereira and Hill nearly threw hands at the UFC PI in Las Vegas.
As of this writing, Pereira nor Hill have spoken out on social media since the incident. After the altercation, UFC security personnel will likely have to keep a keen eye on Pereira and Hill and make sure they aren’t in the same vicinity going forward.
Interestingly enough, Pereira and Hill shared a cordial encounter at the UFC PI just five months ago, but any amiability has fizzled.
😳 Alex Pereira and Jamahal Hill ran into each other and were ready to throw down pic.twitter.com/tkMgzRO1m9
— FULL SEND MMA (@full_send_mma) December 5, 2024