UFC light heavyweight Zhang Mingyang has expressed doubts about Alex Pereira’s motivation leading up to his rematch at UFC 320, where Pereira aims to recapture the UFC light heavyweight title. The event will feature Pereira challenging the current champion, Magomed Ankalaev, who previously took the belt from him.
Background on the UFC 320 Title Rematch
At UFC 320, fans will witness a crucial rematch as Alex Pereira seeks to regain his championship against Magomed Ankalaev. Opinions differ on whether the second fight will produce a different winner or if the outcome will mirror their initial encounter. Pereira remains one of the sport’s most prominent figures and is expected to give a strong effort to reclaim his belt. Meanwhile, Ankalaev’s status as champion indicates he will be a formidable opponent in this contest.
Zhang Mingyang’s Perspective on Pereira’s Current Drive
In a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Zhang Mingyang, who is scheduled to fight Johnny Walker shortly, shared his views about Pereira’s chances. Zhang voiced skepticism about whether Pereira retains the intense motivation that drove him in the past.
“I think Ankalaev can defend his title because I think Alex Pereira is not as motivated as before,”
Zhang said.
“I mean, if we can get the old Pereira back, he’s still the, let’s say, better striker than Ankalaev. But for now, if he still fights like the way like he fought last fight, I think Ankalaev can still win this fight [again].”
Zhang also linked Pereira’s decreased motivation to his financial success, explaining,
“Because he has earned too much money,”
and continued,
“He’s too rich. I think no matter who you are as a fighter, or as a human being, if you are too rich, you are just kind of [lacking] of motivation [compared to] when you are young, when you are poor, when you are hungry.”
He added,
“I think that’s normal. It’s not uncommon, yeah.”
What This Means for the Upcoming Fight
Zhang’s observations highlight a possible challenge for Pereira as he prepares to face Ankalaev again. If the former champion has lost some of the hunger that propelled his previous successes, it could affect how the rematch unfolds. Ankalaev’s solid position as current titleholder combined with Pereira’s questioned motivation injects uncertainty into the bout’s outcome. Fight fans are left to ponder whether Pereira can rediscover his earlier intensity or if Ankalaev will maintain his advantage.