‘He ran scared!’: GWS Giants laugh off UFC superstar snub
The Giants are renowned for their social media stitch-ups, but GWS players must have felt they were on the receiving end for once after UFC superstar Alex Pereira bailed on an appearance.
The Giants are renowned for their social media stitch-ups, but GWS players must have felt they were on the receiving end for once after UFC superstar Alex Pereira bailed on an appearance on Wednesday afternoon.
One of the UFC’s biggest names, Pereira was greeted by a throng of fans wanting photos and autographs when he arrived at the GWS facility at Sydney Olympic Park.
The 37-year-old was scheduled to film some sponsorship videos and activations inside the GWS gym, before kicking a Sherrin, taking a few speccies on the training paddock and talking to the squad.
Instead, after filming one sponsor video, the light-heavyweight champion and his entourage made an unexpectedly swift exit from the facility.
He didn’t explain his reason for leaving, with puzzled Giants players left to wonder what was going on.
While the team gathered outside the gym to present the Brazilian knockout artist with a personalised jersey, Pereira and his team drove off in a fleet of G-Wagons.
According to one source, Pereira was uncomfortable putting his name to one of the affiliate brands he was supposed to promote, and decided to ditch the entire appearance altogether.
Pereira was only using the GWS gym to film the videos, and the club wasn’t involved in any of the sponsorship clips or the products involved.
The Giants made light of the situation, with Jake Riccardi and Toby Bedford posing for a mock jersey presentation in his absence.
Former GWS ruckman turned coach, Shane Mumford – who has a 2-0 professional boxing record – could see the funny side.
“A few of the boys said he took one look at me and ran the other way – he ran scared,” Mumford joked.
“I’m a pretty intimidating guy.
“But no, I certainly wouldn’t be getting in the ring with that bloke, that’s scary stuff.”
Pereira is deep in training camp for his world title defence against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 on March 8 (March 9 in Australia) in Las Vegas and is said to be taking every precaution against getting injured or sick.
“Jesse Hogan’s in tears right now,” Mumford continued. “Him and Jake Riccardi have gone back to the rooms in tears right now.
“They’ve missed the chance of saying hello and getting a photo with him.”
Asked who at the club might make a decent fighter, Mumford couldn’t help singling out Toby Greene.
“Toby Greene rates himself as a brawler…we won’t extend on that one,” he laughed.
“Toby’s one guy that would put his hand up and say he’d go alright in the UFC ring.
“But let’s be honest, he’d be no chance, I’d flog him.
“Toby was there (at UFC 312 on Sunday), and maybe one other player. I didn’t get the invite, I’m not high up enough the pecking order.”
Pereira is in Australia for a series of appearances, headlined by an exclusive VIP dinner event at the ICC Sydney Grand Ballroom at Darling Harbour this Friday night.
The Giants get their 2025 season underway against Collingwood at ENGIE Stadium on March 9.
Brock shock: Zerafa on standby for Thurman blockbuster
Aussie rising star Brock Jarvis is set for the biggest fight of his life against Keith Thurman on March 12. But after his shock split with Jeff Fenech, promoters have a Plan B in place if Jarvis withdraws.
Olympic trans storm reignited by Trump-inspired legal fight
The two female boxers who secured controversial gold medal wins at the Paris Olympics are set to be embroiled in a fresh legal fight, following an executive order from US President Donald Trump.