Alex Pereira, a well-known figure in the UFC, believes he has fought tougher adversaries than Magomed Ankalaev, despite his recent loss of the UFC light heavyweight championship to Ankalaev. After the defeat, Pereira is taking time off and has chosen not to rush into an immediate rematch, signaling a cautious approach to his next steps.
In an interview with The Schmo, facilitated by an interpreter, Pereira shared his current focus is on resting and healing. He revealed plans to return to Brazil to spend time with family while recovering his body and preparing for upcoming discussions with the UFC regarding his future fights.
Pereira’s Comparison of Ankalaev to Previous Foes
When discussing Ankalaev, Pereira acknowledged the difficulty of the fight but maintained that other opponents he has faced were more challenging. He emphasized that the circumstances on the fight day made Ankalaev a tough competitor but insisted his experience includes battling fighters of greater difficulty.
Pereira expressed ongoing hunger to compete and seemed to question the outcome of the recent bout. He stated,
“I’m definitely hungry, but it was a fight that many thought that I won,”
and added,
“Honestly, in my mind, I see myself as still the champ because the way that people treat me, the way they look at me.”
These remarks reveal his guarded confidence despite the official result.
What Lies Ahead for Pereira and the UFC Light Heavyweight Title
With talks underway and potential plans targeting October for his return, Pereira’s next move remains a subject of considerable interest. His hesitation to immediately seek a rematch suggests a careful strategy to enter the Octagon in optimal condition. The comments also fuel debate among fans about whether he can reclaim his title in a future encounter with Ankalaev.
The significance of Pereira’s stance lies in his refusal to concede defeat outright, which sets the stage for a possible high-stakes rematch. UFC followers and analysts will closely watch how this situation unfolds, particularly as Pereira manages recovery and negotiations with the promotion.