Video: Cain Velasquez teaches Alex Pereira wrestling ahead of UFC 335

October 13, 2026

UFC heavyweight contender Alex Pereira is facing mounting criticism and controversy ahead of his upcoming title shot at UFC 335. Pereira, who lost a disputed interim heavyweight title bout to Ciryl Gane at UFC Freedom 250 earlier this year, has accused the UFC of manipulating matchmaking decisions to favor Gane’s next fight against Josh Hokit instead of granting Pereira a rematch.

Pereira’s claims have escalated into public disputes with UFC commentator Daniel Cormier, whom Pereira alleges played a role in pushing for the Gane vs. Hokit matchup.

Meanwhile, Pereira has also sparred with Valter Walker, offering a purse-sized reward to challenge him, further signaling his readiness to prove his heavyweight dominance outside the cage as well.

In a rare display of preparation, Pereira recently shared a training clip with UFC legend Cain Velasquez, who provided wrestling instruction ahead of the high-stakes bout. The footage underscores Pereira’s focus on refining his grappling skills, a key area of improvement following his loss to Gane.

With UFC 335 on the horizon, Pereira’s efforts to silence his critics and secure a title opportunity remain central to his campaign.