Pereira Reveals: Fought Ankalaev at 40%, Seeks UFC Rematch

Alex Pereira Reveals: “I Fought at 40% in the Loss to Ankalaev”

The former UFC champion, Alex Pereira, has surprised fans by revealing that he competed at “40%” of his capacity in his light heavyweight title fight against Magomed Ankalaev earlier this year. Pereira (12-3) is preparing to face Ankalaev (21-1-1) for the second time at UFC 320, scheduled for October 4th in Las Vegas. Their first encounter, in March at UFC 313, ended with Ankalaev taking the victory by unanimous decision after five rounds. After that fight, rumors circulated about Pereira’s physical condition. UFC commentator Joe Rogan suggested that the fighter had competed with an injured hand. Pereira later admitted to having problems, although he did not specify details. A week away from the rematch, Pereira has confirmed that he was not in full shape for his previous fight.

“I think the condition I came into that fight with, honestly, was 40%. This time I’ll be much better. Even if I’m at 50% [in the rematch], that 10% will make a big difference. I won’t leave any doubts for anyone,” Pereira stated to CBS Sports through an interpreter.

Alex Pereira

Pereira, 38, is known for his ability to fight through injuries. In April 2024, he agreed to headline UFC 300 against Jamahal Hill with little notice and a broken toe. The injury worsened two months later in the title defense against Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303. Brazilian Pereira is a former two-division champion in kickboxing and MMA, with more than 50 combined professional appearances. The tension between Pereira and Ankalaev, 33, has been increasing in the weeks leading up to the rematch. Both fighters faced each other this week at the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas. Pereira accused Ankalaev of speaking ill of him online and then avoiding him in person. Ankalaev, for his part, has stated that he has lost all respect for the former champion. In their first encounter, Ankalaev won on the scorecards of all three judges. Two of them gave him three of the five rounds, while the third awarded him four rounds against one for Pereira.