Alex Pereira reminds Anthony Smith of $50,000 grappling challenge, vows to use money to "buy food for people in need"

Alex Pereira's feud with Anthony Smith continues to take shape, with the UFC light heavyweight champion reminding the former title challenger of their bet. Specifically, the Brazilian knockout artist touched on his enmity with Smith on his Instagram story, which has since been shared on X/Twitter.

The bet in question pertains to $50,000 and revolves around a grappling match between the two. Despite operating primarily as a striker, Pereira is confident in his ability to best Smith on the mat, urging the latter to meet him at a gym, where they will settle their differences.

"Someone tell this guy that the bet is real, I'm not talking about fighting at an event because I don't need to promote myself! I'm talking about booking in a gym and the bet would be there because if you wait to fight me at an event it would probably be difficult to happen. I was out of action for a month because I broke both of my toes, so I only need a month for me to recover some of my cardio."

Pereira feels the gym will be a better option given their disparity in rankings and Smith's status as a fairly beatable, both of which would make it difficult for 'Lionheart' to climb back into title contention in time.

"He said he would use this money to buy the stupidest thing, I would do it differently, I would buy food for people in need to lessen their pain."

Whether the bet is ever truly honored in practice remains to be seen. Their feud, however, has shown no signs of slowing down ever since 'Poatan' lashed out at Smith for the latter's past comments.

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Anthony Smith promised to choke Alex Pereira out in response to their bet

For those unaware, the bet between Anthony Smith and Alex Pereira entails the Brazilian willingly allowing 'Lionheart' to mount his back with hooks in for five minutes, all under the belief that he won't be submitted. After beating Vitor Petrino at UFC 301, the American scoffed at his rival's words.

"I could start on his back, hooks in, I got five minutes to finish him... he wants to put up $50K? I'll take his $50K. I'll take his money. If I start on his back, I'll choke the sh*t out of him."

Check out Anthony Smith promising to choke out Alex Pereira (7:30):

The two men have been locked in a war of words for some time now, with Smith in particular gunning for another title shot.