Alex Pereira Reveals Physical Condition in Fight Against Ankalaev
UFC’s former champion Alex Pereira has revealed that he competed at “40%” of his capacity during his match against Magomed Ankalaev, where he lost the light heavyweight title earlier this year. Pereira (12-3) and Ankalaev (21-1-1) are preparing for their rematch at UFC 320, scheduled for October 4th in Las Vegas. Their first encounter took place in March at UFC 313, where Ankalaev defeated Pereira by unanimous decision after five rounds. After the initial fight, rumors arose about Pereira’s physical condition. Speculation arose about a hand injury, although the fighter did not reveal specific details at that time. A week away from the rematch, Pereira has confirmed that he wasn’t in his best shape during the first fight.Pereira, 38, is known for competing despite injuries. In April 2024, he agreed to headline UFC 300 against Jamahal Hill with little preparation time and a broken finger. The injury worsened two months later during the title defense against Jiří Prochazka at UFC 303. Pereira, representing Brazil, is a former champion in two categories in both kickboxing and MMA, with more than 50 combined professional appearances. The tension between Pereira and Ankalaev, 33, has increased in the last weeks leading up to the rematch. Both faced each other at the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas, where Pereira accused Ankalaev of speaking ill of him online and avoiding him in person. Ankalaev has stated that he has lost all respect for the former champion. In their first encounter, Ankalaev won by unanimous decision, with two judges awarding him the victory in three of the five rounds and a third giving him four rounds in his favor.I think the condition I came to that fight with, honestly, was around 40%,” Pereira stated through an interpreter. “I’ll be much better this time. Even if I’m at 50% in the rematch, that 10% will make a big difference. I won’t leave any doubts for anyone.
Alex Pereira
