Alex Pereira Reveals the Reasons for His Defeat Against Ankalaev
Former UFC champion Alex Pereira has stated that he was not in his best shape during his light heavyweight title fight against Magomed Ankalaev earlier this year. Pereira, with a record of 12-3, will face Ankalaev (21-1-1) for the second time at UFC 320 on October 4 in Las Vegas. In their first encounter in March, Ankalaev defeated Pereira by unanimous decision after five rounds. After that fight, rumors arose about Pereira’s physical condition. It was speculated that he had fought with an injured hand. A week away from the rematch, Pereira confirmed that he wasn’t at his best during the first fight.Pereira, 38, is no stranger to fighting through injuries. In April 2024, he agreed to headline UFC 300 against Jamahal Hill on short notice, despite having a broken finger. He re-injured the finger two months later in a title defense against Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303. Pereira, originally from Brazil, is a former champion in two kickboxing and MMA categories, with more than 50 combined professional appearances. The tension between Pereira and Ankalaev, 33, has been increasing in the last weeks leading up to the rematch. Both 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 has stated that he has lost all respect for the former champion. In their first fight, Ankalaev won by unanimous decision from the judges. Two judges gave him the victory in three of the five rounds, while a third gave him four rounds against one for Pereira.“I think the physical condition I arrived at that fight with, honestly, was 40%,” Pereira stated to CBS Sports through an interpreter. “This time I will be much better. Even if I’m at 50% in the rematch, that 10% will make a big difference. I will leave no doubt for anyone.”
Alex Pereira
