MMA News: Ortega-Pereira Drama, Chandler vs. McGregor, Ian Garry Title Shot

UFC's New Era & Major Fights

• 💡 The UFC has launched a new era with a 7-year, $7.7 billion deal on Paramount+, ending the traditional pay-per-view model for all numbered events and fight nights.
• 🚀 Welterweight contender Ian Machado Garry has renewed his call for a title shot against pound-for-pound king Islam Makhachev, framing it as the biggest fight in the division and a continuation of the Ireland versus Dagestan rivalry.
• ✅ Michael Chandler confirmed his highly anticipated fight with Conor McGregor is set for a historic White House event in June, part of America's 250th anniversary celebrations.

Ortega-Pereira-Cortez Controversy

• ⚠️ Brian Ortega posted a now-deleted Instagram story threatening Alex Pereira after Pereira and Ortega's ex-girlfriend, UFC flyweight Tracy Cortez, went public with their relationship.
• 💬 The news sparked fan memes about Pereira "stealing" Ortega's girl, despite Ortega and Pereira having a previously friendly relationship and sharing a fight card.

Alex Pereira's Dedication & Future Plans

• 💪 Alex Pereira responded to critics questioning his seriousness by releasing raw training footage on New Year's Day, demonstrating his continued dedication and intense workout regimen.
• 📈 Pereira has expressed a clear desire for a permanent move to heavyweight, ideally for a legacy super fight against Jon Jones, or potentially an interim title fight against Ciryl Gane during Tom Aspinall's absence.
• 🥊 A potential matchup with Ciryl Gane is highlighted as a dream striking encounter, pitting Pereira's powerful striking against Gane's technical kickboxing.