• Alex Pereira was filmed playfully sparring with Dutch model and influencer Vera Dijkman.
• The clip was shared on Dijkman’s Instagram and TikTok and circulated widely on social media.
• The sparring surfaced shortly after Pereira and UFC fighter Tracy Cortez announced — then ended — a brief relationship.
• Pereira remains focused on his fighting future after reclaiming the light-heavyweight title and weighing a move to heavyweight.

Alex Pereira seen sparring with Vera Dijkman

Alex Pereira was captured on video sparring with Dutch model and influencer Vera Dijkman in a light, playful training session. Footage shows Pereira throwing punches, kicks and clinch work while Dijkman — who has millions of followers — responds in kind.

The clip was posted to Dijkman’s Instagram account and later shared to her TikTok, where she wrote “CHAMA” and joked “Almost had him in the end.” The reel quickly went viral, drawing attention from MMA fans and gossip communities online.

Embedded Instagram reel

View Instagram Reel: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DT03PLUEqY1/?utmsource=igembed&utm_campaign=loading

Timing: comes after brief romance with Tracy Cortez

The sparring video circulated at a moment of public curiosity around Pereira’s personal life. UFC flyweight Tracy Cortez announced she was dating Pereira at the start of January 2026, but the couple confirmed their relationship ended just nine days later. Cortez has not made any public comments about the split.

Fans on Reddit and other social platforms picked up the Dijkman clip and began speculating about Pereira’s dating life. The video’s tone, however, appears friendly and training-focused rather than overtly romantic.

Where Pereira stands in his fighting career

Pereira, known as “Poatan,” reclaimed the UFC light-heavyweight title at UFC 320 with a quick knockout of Magomed Ankalaev. He has not fought since that October win and has publicly discussed the possibility of moving up to heavyweight, with a potential matchup against Jon Jones among the most talked-about scenarios.

While he waits for his next official fight date, Pereira has continued to train and make public appearances — now including light sparring sessions with non-professional partners that attract attention because of his profile.

Reaction and context

Social media users split between viewing the clip as a casual training moment and reading it as proof of new dating rumors. Dijkman’s millions of followers amplified the post’s reach, and the clip quickly spread across Instagram, TikTok and Reddit.

Pereira’s focus is expected to remain on his in-cage plans, but clips like this keep his name trending and maintain public interest in both his professional and personal life.

What to watch next

Fans will be watching Pereira’s official channels and UFC announcements for his next fight date. In the meantime, social posts like Dijkman’s reel will likely continue to fuel conversation about the champion’s off-duty moments.

Image Referance: https://bloodyelbow.com/2026/01/23/alex-pereira-spars-with-dutch-model-after-short-lived-romance-with-ufc-star-tracy-cortez/