Alex Pereira Reveals Conditions in His Previous Fight Against Ankalaev
UFC’s former champion, Alex Pereira, has stated that he competed at “40%” of his capacity during his fight against Magomed Ankalaev, in which he lost the light heavyweight title 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. In their first encounter, at UFC 313 in March, Ankalaev won by unanimous decision after five rounds. After the initial fight, rumors arose about Pereira’s physical condition. It was speculated that he had suffered a hand injury, although Pereira did not reveal specific details at that time. A week away from the rematch against Ankalaev, Pereira has confirmed that he wasn’t at his best in the previous fight.Pereira, 38, is known for competing despite injuries. In April 2024, he agreed to headline UFC 300 against Jamahal Hill with little notice and a broken finger. Subsequently, he re-injured his finger two months later in a title defense against Jiří Procházka at UFC 303. Pereira, who represents Brazil, is a former two-category champion in kickboxing and MMA, with more than 50 combined professional fights. The tension between Pereira and Ankalaev, 33, has increased in the last 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 has stated that he has lost all respect for the former champion. In their first encounter, Ankalaev won by unanimous decision from the judges. Two judges gave him the victory in three of the five rounds, while the third awarded him four rounds against one for Pereira.I think the condition I came to that fight with, honestly, was around 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 doubt for anyone.
Alex Pereira
