With only sixty-eight days left before UFC 320, Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira prepare to face each other again in Las Vegas on October 4, aiming to settle the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship rematch. This highly anticipated showdown follows Ankalaev’s victory over Pereira at UFC 313 in March, where he secured the title by unanimous decision, ending Pereira’s four-fight winning streak.
The rematch between Ankalaev and Pereira is highly awaited, with many expecting a different outcome this time, especially given the controversial nature of their first fight. The phrase “Alex Pereira UFC title rematch” has been widely discussed among fans, analysts, and commentators alike.
Daniel Cormier Analyzes What to Expect in the Rematch
Former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier recently offered his perspective on the upcoming rematch during an appearance on Good Guy/Bad Guy. He emphasized the significance of the fight, describing it as a chance for Pereira to correct the previous result. Cormier stated,
“This is the fight that needs to happen. Pereira deserves the chance to try to right that wrong.”
According to Cormier, Pereira’s improved takedown defense and speed will be critical factors. He praised Pereira’s unexpected wrestling performance at UFC 313, noting that Pereira defended takedowns much better than anticipated. Cormier highlighted the importance of Pereira’s coaches Plinio Cruz and Glover Teixeira in preparing him to avoid getting cornered against the Octagon in the rematch.
Challenges Pereira Must Overcome to Avoid a Repeat Loss
Cormier also cautioned that Pereira cannot approach the fight underestimating Ankalaev or expecting an easy win. He suggested that Pereira must earn respect early in the fight to force Ankalaev to adjust his approach.
“I think he needs to get some respect from him very early, Chael, to make Ankalaev take a few steps back,”
Cormier remarked.
“How does Pereira get that respect early, to make sure that this fight doesn’t play out exactly like the last one did?”
Pereira’s last defeat was in April 2023 when he was knocked out by then-Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya at UFC 287, marking his first loss in over a year prior to falling to Ankalaev. This rematch at UFC 320 represents a vital opportunity for Pereira to regain the light heavyweight crown and showcase adjustments in his strategy and gameplay.
Context of the Title Fight Within the UFC Schedule
The Ankalaev versus Pereira rematch comprises one half of a significant UFC main event lineup in October. Just 21 days after UFC 320, where the light heavyweight title is on the line, Tom Aspinall is scheduled to defend his heavyweight championship against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi, raising expectations for a title-heavy month in the UFC calendar.
Additional Updates from the MMA World
Recent MMA news also includes reports about an undefeated champion taking a belt from Islam Makhachev, an intense referee intervention to save an unconscious fighter, Ilia Topuria hoping for a breakthrough moment similar to Conor McGregor’s, and Israel Adesanya offering his insight on the upcoming Islam Makhachev versus Jack Della Maddalena fight.
This ongoing coverage continues to engage MMA fans and followers of the sport, with detailed fight analyses and event previews providing context for the rapidly evolving UFC landscape.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Alex Pereira lose?
A. Alex Pereira faced his third career defeat and the first in six matches when he lost by unanimous decision to Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 on Saturday.
Q. How is Alex Pereira so powerful?
A. He is quite tall, which gives him a lot of leverage. His height and being able to stay calm help him produce great power. He can quickly engage his muscles and generate a lot of energy when he moves.
Q. Why is Alex Pereira so powerful?
A. He stays tense in his core but keeps the rest of his body relaxed from his hips to his shoulders. This approach helps him create and deliver strong punches using his back muscles. Pereira’s experience in kickboxing gives his punches a smoothness similar to that of a skilled boxer.
Q. Why is Alex Pereira so strong?
A. After thinking about the source of his strength following a sparring match, Pereira mentions two key aspects: his skill and his genetics. His striking abilities, both in kicks and punches, are executed with flawless technique.