REFEREE CRITICISES STREAMER OVER ALEX PEREIRA CONFRONTATION

A streamer identified as Maciej approached UFC fighter Alex Pereira at a Misfits Boxing event and challenged him to a fight while filming himself, according to footage that circulated on social media. Maciej shouted for Pereira to sign a contract for a bout and referenced UFC president Dana White, repeatedly goading the fighter to respond. Security staff stepped in and escorted Maciej away, at which point he told those nearby that he had "just joking." Pereira and his coach, Plinio Cruz, did not engage with Maciej, leaving the matter to Pereira's security team.

One member of Pereira's security detail confronted Maciej directly, warning him that he risked being hurt for no reason, and asked whether he was alright. The footage was later posted on X, prompting MMA referee Marc Goddard to criticise the streamer publicly. Goddard, who has officiated numerous high-profile MMA bouts, wrote on X that Maciej was an "absolute s— stain of a boy" and said such behaviour amounted to "disrespect disguised as a d–khead's prank." He added that people behaving this way would continue until they faced real-world consequences.

Goddard's comments reflect broader criticism of online personalities who approach professional fighters in public in an attempt to provoke a reaction for social media attention. Pereira did not respond to Maciej's challenge and no physical altercation took place. The incident follows a similar case reported last year involving an Australian influencer named Chrogman, who approached a gym associated with former UFC interim welterweight champion Colby Covington. No further action by Pereira, Goddard or UFC officials has been reported in connection with the Maciej incident.