Imho, that moment when he connected well on Pereira, was not because it was a strategy or that special secret that he was talking about on press conference. Its because Pereira was way to relaxed, unfocused, sleepy. If we compare Pereira year or more ago and now, we see him becoming more media person. If previously he was more shy (or a stone face), more hungry, maybe felt uncomfortable in front of cameras. Then look at him now, he is filming some funny shorts video, living expensive life, more media. And as the world is balanced, then if we see him more in media, then the gym sees him less. He used to be hungry, ready to rip off Izzy head. Now he has got money, fame, and allow himself to give 70-90% of himself in a training and fight. Who he would face next? Ankalaev? Not really a thread, so he can enjoy his life for 4-6 months more, do lazy trading, get a camp where he would only do 100% of he is able, beat Ankalaev, relax and think about retirement, as he is rather old for a being a prime.
If you want to earn money, you have to be a media person these days. To be honest, I prefer this version of Alex Pereira because he doesn't look very dangerous all the time 
By the way, the dude is 37 years old and still rocks, he is one of the best fighter for sure. Recently, I look at Messi too and think, what does age mean in sport? Alex Pereira was an alcoholic and he started his fighting career very lately but became a superstar. I think that he will still fight for a few years for this reason alone. When you start sports at young age, your joints and other parts of your body gets damaged early. When you start it at late age, they get damaged lately. Probably that's the reason why Alex Pereira still rocks in this age but Messi? I have no explanation. Probably, talent can't still stays with you and keeps you move forward despite the aging body
UFC 307 main event was amazing. Wish they had UFC events in Europe too because it's very expensive to fly in the United States but I want it so much to watch fights like this one.