BREAKING: Former UFC champion Alex Pereira revealed he fought at just 40 percent capacity during his light heavyweight title loss to Magomed Ankalaev earlier this year. As the rematch approaches at UFC 320 on October 4, 2023, in Las Vegas, Pereira aims to set the record straight.
Pereira, with a record of 12-3, first faced Ankalaev (record: 21-1-1) at UFC 313 in March, where he lost by unanimous decision. Speculation emerged post-fight regarding Pereira’s physical condition, with UFC commentator Joe Rogan suggesting he fought with an injured hand. Although Pereira acknowledged struggles during the match, he kept specifics under wraps until now.
In a candid interview with CBS Sports, Pereira stated, “I think the conditioning I was going into that fight with, honestly, I was about 40 percent. I’m going to be much more this time. Even if I’m 50 percent, that 10 percent is going to make such a difference. I’m going to leave no doubt for everybody.”
Pereira’s resilience is notable; he previously headlined UFC 300 against Jamahal Hill on short notice with a broken toe and faced Jirí Prochazka at UFC 303 while reinjuring it. Now, as the rematch nears, tensions are escalating.
The animosity between Pereira and Ankalaev has intensified, particularly after their confrontation at the UFC Performance Institute this week. Pereira accused Ankalaev of being confrontational online while avoiding him in person, to which Ankalaev responded by claiming he lost all respect for Pereira.
During their first meeting, Ankalaev dominated the judges’ scorecards, winning three of the five rounds on two cards and four rounds to one on the third. As the rematch approaches, all eyes will be on Pereira to see if he can deliver a stronger performance.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Pereira’s declaration impacts the upcoming fight. With only a week remaining until UFC 320, the stakes are high, and both fighters are poised for an intense showdown.
Stay tuned for more updates as this highly anticipated rematch unfolds.