Alex Pereira’s journey to the UFC has been nothing short of cinematic. From his humble beginnings as a kickboxer in Brazil to transforming his striking skills and becoming a two-division UFC champion, ‘Poatan’ has seen it all. However, every rise has its fall, like the turbulent lines on a cardiac monitor. Now, he carries the label of ‘former champion’ after losing his 205lbs belt to Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313. The narrative going into the bout was that the vaunted striker in the form of Pereira will have trouble against the grappling prowess of Ankalaev. Moreover, many expected ‘Big Ank’ to take the fight to the ground early on but that did not happen.
Or we must say, that didn’t rather happen! Why? Well, Pereira was able to defend all 12 of Ankalaev’s takedown attempts and kept the fight on the feet. This is where the shock factor comes in! The Brazilian was outstruck on the feet and wasn’t able to lock in completely throughout the bout. And now with a rematch already in the talks, the fight community is eager to know if we will see anything different from the first outing or not. This is where former UFC champ and analyst Michael Bisping comes in. ‘The Count’ has weighed in on the situation while also warning Ankalaev about Pereira’s unlocked power ahead of their potential rematch.
With UFC CEO Dana White expressing interest in an immediate rematch, Bisping cautioned the new champion, saying: “But if he beats Magomed Ankalaev and it’s a quick knockout, people will jump to the conclusion and say, ‘Look, listen, clearly the man did have a broken hand’. But I don’t necessarily agree with that because going into the rematch a lot of questions have now been answered for Alex Pereira. As a striker when you’re going out there to get somebody like Magomed Ankalaev who granted; doesn’t have the wrestling of a Khabib or an Islam Makhachev right? He’s just not that type of guy. But he can wrestle and he did go for takedowns and he has taken down lots of his previous opponents that causes you to clam up.”
Bisping also highlighted Pereira’s improved takedown defense, noting that the Brazilian successfully stuffed Ankalaev’s attempts throughout the fight, “Now Pereira knows he can stop those takedowns. He stopped about 20 [12 in total] takedowns. I don’t know what the exact number is, but every single one, not once did Alex Pereira hit the canvas, so now that’s going to give him the mental fortitude, the strength, the confidence to go forward a little bit. To be a bit more reckless and to take more chances and swing like the ‘Poatan’ everyone loves.”
MMA: UFC 313 – Las Vegas-Pereira vs Ankalaey Mar 8, 2025, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Alex Pereira red gloves prepares to fight Magomed Ankalaev not pictured during UFC 313 at T-Mobile Arena. Las Vegas T-Mobile Arena Nevada USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xStephenxR.xSylvaniex 20250308_mcd_cs1_181
After the defeat, there was a narrative weaved by Joe Rogan that Pereira was injured going into the fight with a broken hand. ‘Poatan’ recently addressed the rumors, making it clear that he’s not one to make excuses. Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Pereira said, “I’m not trying to take credit away from Ankalaev. Many people try to do that kind of thing, and I’m not this type of guy. Everybody goes through problems, and I’m sure he had his problems, too. I had mine. My hand is fine, but it did affect things. But I don’t want to use that as an excuse.”
Despite the the criticism that followed, it’s important to remember that this is the fight game and anything can happen! And if the injury narrative was true, a fully healthy Pereira only means more excitement. Despite the buzz about a possible rematch in August, ‘Poatan’ is keeping himself busy with something else entirely!
Alex Pereira indulges in luxury before a rematch against Magomed Ankalaev
The former champion doesn’t seem too fazed by his recent loss. He has already hinted at a potential rematch with the Dagestani in August. While speaking to Ariel Helwani, he confidently stated that he deserves a rematch. Even Dana White agreed, mentioning the same during the UFC 313 post-fight presser.
However, the 37-year-old has taken a slight detour before diving into harsh training for the possible August rematch. Recently, Pereira shared an Instagram story from inside a Ferrari showroom. He captured a shot of his brand-new premium Ferrari and expressed gratitude in the caption: “Obrigado Deus” (Thank you, God).
While Pereira indulges in some well-deserved luxury and relaxation, Ankalaev has already sent a warning to his rival. “I have a date and I accepted already; I hope my opponent will accept too. This time there will be no 5 rounds; I don’t get paid by the hour #BigANK,” he declared on X.
However, news from Rogan about Pereira suffering from a hand injury and norovirus before UFC 313 has caught Ankalaev’s attention. Responding to the potential delay, Ankalaev posted on X: “I was offered a rematch with him in August and I said yes. But if he is not ready, I will fight whoever is next, it doesn’t matter.”
Pereira has consistently stepped up for the UFC, taking short-notice fights and reigning as champion for a significant period. A break like this is well-deserved. Do you think Pereira will reclaim his throne in the rematch? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
The post “Doesn’t Have the Wrestling of a Khabib or an Islam” – UFC Legend Defies Narrative on Alex Pereira vs Magomed Ankalaev Rematch appeared first on EssentiallySports.
