Alex Pereira has expressed confidence that he has competed against tougher fighters than UFC light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev. This statement comes as fans eagerly await their highly anticipated rematch, following Ankalaev’s victory over Pereira at UFC 313 in March of this year. Despite Ankalaev’s public acceptance of a rematch, delays attributable to Pereira reportedly declining proposed fight dates have caused tension between the camps.
Ankalaev’s management even issued a deadline for Pereira to commit to the rematch, which Pereira appears ready to meet. The Brazilian has recently become more vocal about his plans to return, mentioning that discussions with the UFC are underway and that the rematch might happen in October.
Pereira Eyes October Rematch and Says Previous Opponents Were Tougher
In a recent interview, Pereira shared details on the expected timetable for the rematch, indicating ongoing talks with UFC officials. October is set to feature two major UFC pay-per-view events: UFC 320 in Las Vegas on October 4, and the annual event in Abu Dhabi later that month. Either of these could host the rematch between Pereira and Ankalaev.
Speaking about his previous fight against Ankalaev, Pereira emphasized that factors surrounding the bout made Ankalaev a challenging rival, but he insists that he has faced more difficult opponents during his career. “I’ve definitely fought tougher opponents,” he said, highlighting that the difficulty was partly due to the unique circumstances of their UFC 313 encounter.
But I’ve definitely fought people way harder than him.
—Alex Pereira
Israel Adesanya Supports Pereira Ahead of Rematch with Ankalaev
Fellow UFC star Israel Adesanya, who has shared a competitive history with Pereira, voiced strong support for the Brazilian in anticipation of his rematch with Ankalaev. On a podcast featuring Sean O’Malley, Adesanya expressed pride in Pereira’s accomplishments and predicted a competitive second bout against the light heavyweight champion.
I’m so proud of the guy, what he’s done,
Adesanya said.
It’s like I created a monster.
Adesanya praised Pereira’s success across two weight divisions and expressed eagerness to witness the upcoming fight between Pereira and Ankalaev. He acknowledged the first fight’s challenges but believes Pereira is improving rapidly and capable of defeating Ankalaev in their next meeting.
I think it’ll be another hard one, but I think (Pereira) can get it done,
he added.
Because it wasn’t a complete washout for that (first) fight. He’s exponentially getting better as well.
Context on Pereira’s Rise and Rivalries
Pereira has a notable history with Israel Adesanya, having defeated him twice in kickboxing before their UFC encounters. The two split their UFC series, with Pereira winning the first bout by late TKO to claim the middleweight title, and Adesanya earning revenge with a knockout five months later. These bouts have underscored Pereira’s competitiveness and adaptability across combat sports.
Now, with Pereira preparing to seek redemption against Ankalaev for the light heavyweight belt, the stakes remain high. The rematch‘s outcome could have significant implications for the UFC light heavyweight division’s hierarchy.
What the Rematch Means for UFC’s Light Heavyweight Division
This rematch between Pereira and Ankalaev is poised to be one of the major UFC matchups of the year. Both fighters bring momentum and something to prove: Pereira hopes to reclaim the title and silence doubts about his standing, while Ankalaev looks to solidify his reign as champion. The fight’s scheduling in either Las Vegas or Abu Dhabi will attract global attention and further shape future title opportunities for both athletes.
The light heavyweight division remains highly competitive, and with voices like Adesanya confidently backing Pereira, anticipation continues to build around this key contest.