In the world of UFC, fighters are often celebrated for their willingness to take on any challenge. However, Chris Curtis, known as “The Action Man,” recently revealed a rare exception to this rule: he turned down a fight against Alex Pereira. This decision, made in 2022, has sparked discussions among MMA fans and analysts. Let’s dive into the details of this story, Curtis’s reasoning, and what it means for his career.
The Decision to Decline Alex Pereira
Chris Curtis, a seasoned middleweight fighter with a record of 31-11 MMA and 5-3 UFC, is no stranger to tough matchups. However, when the UFC offered him a fight against Alex Pereira in early 2022, Curtis didn’t hesitate to say no. At the time, Pereira was rising through the middleweight ranks, fresh off a win over Bruno Silva and on his way to defeating Israel Adesanya for the UFC middleweight title.
Curtis explained that the fight was offered on short notice, and he didn’t see a clear path to victory. “I was like, ‘F*** no. I’m not fighting him on kind of short notice.’ I was like, ‘There’s no way.’ Because not only do I not want to fight him, I’m not doing it on short notice,” Curtis told MMA Junkie.
Why Curtis Avoided Pereira?
Curtis’s decision wasn’t just about the short notice. He also acknowledged Pereira’s intimidating size and skill set. During an encounter in New York, Curtis was struck by how physically imposing Pereira was. “People who don’t know Alex Pereira don’t realize how big this man is in real life. It is distressing how large this dude is,” Curtis said.
Additionally, Curtis admitted that he didn’t feel confident in his ability to defeat Pereira, especially without a full training camp. “I do not have a path to victory here. I’m fine,” he stated.
No Repercussions from the UFC
Interestingly, Curtis faced no backlash from the UFC for declining the fight. He has built a reputation as a reliable fighter who rarely turns down matchups, and this decision didn’t harm his standing with the promotion. Curtis even joked that he “cashed in” his goodwill with the UFC to avoid Pereira.
Pereira’s Rise and Curtis’s Relief
Curtis’s decision proved to be a wise one, as Pereira went on to become one of the most dominant fighters in the UFC. After defeating Israel Adesanya for the middleweight title, Pereira moved up to light heavyweight, where he currently holds the championship belt. This means Curtis no longer has to worry about facing Pereira in the octagon.
Curtis’s Current Focus: UFC Vegas 101
Chris Curtis is set to return to the octagon at UFC Vegas 101 on January 11, 2025, where he will face Roman Kopylov. This fight marks Curtis’s comeback after recovering from a foot injury that forced him to withdraw from a scheduled bout against Kevin Holland in October 2024.
Curtis has expressed interest in rebooking the Holland fight, but for now, his focus is on Kopylov. “I don’t care about any particular matchup. I’m just here to fight people,” Curtis said.
What This Means for Curtis’s Career?
Curtis’s decision to avoid Pereira highlights the strategic thinking that goes into a fighter’s career. While some may view it as a missed opportunity, Curtis prioritized his long-term goals and avoided a potentially damaging loss. His willingness to be transparent about his decision also adds to his reputation as a fighter who knows his limits.
References:
MMA Junkie: Chris Curtis Reveals Time He Declined Alex Pereira
Bloody Elbow: Chris Curtis Admits He Avoided Alex Pereira Fight
