Alex Pereira's coach shares one-word reaction to 'Poatan' being named 'Male Fighter of the Year' 2024 by MMA insider

Alex Pereira's coach, Plinio Cruz, has reacted to a post on Instagram from popular MMA jornalist Ariel Helwani, announcing the winner of the annual Helwani Nose Awards.

Helwani chose the Brazilian as his Male Fighter of the Year. Pereira defended his title three times in 2024 against Jamahal Hill, Jiri Prochazka, and Khalil Rountree Jr. 'Poatan' has largely cleared out his division, with Magomed Ankalaev remaining the only deserving challenger yet to have a crack at him.

In a post on Instagram announcing the recipients of his annual awards for 2024, the Canadian journalist wrote:

"The 12th annual Helwani Nose Awards went down today. One of my favorite shows of the year. A beast of the show. 26 categories. A tribute to the year that was to the beautiful sport that is MMA. These are some of the winners. Check the rest out on our YT channel right now.Congrats to all the winners! 👃🏆 "

Pereira's coach reacted to the post. He wrote:

"Chama"

Screenshot of Plinio Cruz's comment [Image Courtesy: @pliniocruzmma on Instagram]

Check out Ariel Helwani's post below:

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Alex Pereira is making Magomed Ankalaev wait because "he's been talking a lot of sh*t," says Joe Rogan

UFC commentator Joe Rogan thinks that light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira is making top contender Magomed Ankalaev wait because the Russian has been talking a lot of trash about the Brazilian champion.

Pereira, who could also be eyeing a fight at heavyweight against Jon Jones, still has one contender left in his division, according to Rogan. The podcaster believes Ankalaev is a dangerous opponent for 'Poatan'.

In episode #2249 of his podcast, Rogan said:

"Pereira has challengers in the light heavyweight division, especially Ankalaev. He’s supposed to be fighting Ankalaev. Ankalaev is very dangerous and I think he's the No. 1 contender and he's been on a winning streak for a long time. He's only got one draw and that was to Jan Blachowicz, who was the former champion. So he's like, at the top of the heap and he's been waiting for a title shot for a long time, but he's been talking a lot of sh*t and Alex doesn't like that he talks sh*t, so he's like, 'I'm going to make him wait.'"

Check out Joe Rogan's comments below (2:32:00):