UFC star announces surprising retirement, Alex Pereira buries hatchet, Marvin Vettori explains N-word tweet: MMA News Roundup
One UFC fighter unceremoniously announced his retirement on social media with a message to Sean Shelby. Elsewhere, Alex Pereira settled a long-running beef with a fellow light heavyweight ahead of the title fight with Khalil Rountree Jr.
Here are today's top combat sports updates presented by Sportskeeda MMA's News Roundup.
Alexander Munoz retires from UFC after multiple injuries
A Dana White's Contender Series alum, Alexander Munoz abruptly announced his retirement from MMA with a heartfelt message addressed to UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby. He cited the many injuries sustained during his tenure as the reason behind the decision.
Munoz wrote on Instagram:
"In the past six years, I’ve endured multiple injuries that have tested me both mentally and physically. These included but certainly weren’t limited to, two full knee reconstructions on my left knee, a torn PCL in my right knee, and more recently, two weeks before my last fight, I suffered a tear in my right elbow, a separated AC joint in my right shoulder.''
He added that he was planning to start a family with his wife and wants to "focus on preserving what's left" of his future to be fully present for them.
"It’s with a heavy heart, that I have decided to step away from the UFC roster. I want to give the next guy his chance while I still have the ability to enjoy a healthy future with my family."
Alex Pereira settles beef with Anthony Smith
Alex Pereira and Anthony Smith ended a long-running beef with a warm embrace and a sit-down interview ahead of UFC 307. The two clashed heads on social media and even agreed on a $50,000 grappling challenge earlier this year. But now they have set their differences aside.
In a new episode of Lionheart Lounge on ESPN MMA's YouTube channel, Smith sat down with Pereira at Gypsy Soul Tattoo in Salt Lake City. The two talked about the tattoos 'Poatan' has and the meaning behind each, but they also buried the hatchet. Smith showed heartfelt respect and appreciation for his fellow UFC light heavyweight and Pereira returned the gesture:
"I am thankful to you for reaching out. Ever since you spoke to Glover [Teixeira], I don’t think there is any malice, there’s no bitterness about the back-and-forths that we had. Today, I’m much better, I feel good."
Catch Alex Pereira's comments below (8:30):
Marvin Vettori explains the N-word tweet at Dricus du Plessis
Marvin Vettori used the N-word in his reaction to Dricus du Plessis' mockery of Brendan Allen's UFC Paris performance, which sparked some backlash from fans. Some drew a parallel with Israel Adesanya's N-word bombs during their heated face-off inside the octagon.
Vettori wrote on X:
"Mah n***a"
Following the criticisms, Vettori once again took to X to clarify his intention behind the two-word tweet:
"Chill out everyone I just meant maa guy kind of. He's white. How does that even make sense? All this racist thing is bs. Definitely many people I don't like but it's never based on race or color lol. Also I don't believe in this word's power."