A Battle of Adjustments: Can Alex Pereira Overcome Magomed Ankalaev in a Potential Rematch?

In the brutal chess game of mixed martial arts (MMA), a single weakness can be the difference between glory and disaster. For Alex Pereira, his fight against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 exposed one major flaw—his endurance. And now, former opponent Jamahal Hill has some words of advice:

“If he really wants to win that fight, he’s going to have to lock himself in the gym where he doesn’t get tired.”

The message is clear: if Pereira wants to defeat Ankalaev, he needs more than just his legendary power. He needs to train smarter, push harder, and evolve faster than ever before.

But can Alex Pereira, the devastating former two-division Glory kickboxing champion, make the necessary adjustments in time for a rematch? Or will Ankalaev, the Dagestani powerhouse, prove to be his ultimate kryptonite?

Let’s break down the fight, what went wrong for Pereira, and whether he can flip the script in a rematch.

What Went Wrong? Breaking Down Pereira’s Struggles Against Ankalaev

The Brutal Reality: Fatigue and a Fading Gas Tank

From the moment Alex Pereira stepped into the Octagon at UFC 313, fans expected an all-out war. The reigning UFC light heavyweight champion, known for his devastating left hook and precise striking, was set to defend his title against one of the most well-rounded fighters in the division—Magomed Ankalaev.

But as the fight unfolded, something became painfully clear: Pereira was struggling to keep up.

• His explosive power began to fade.
• His footwork slowed.
• His once-lethal striking lost its snap.

By the later rounds, Ankalaev took full control, using relentless pressure and superior conditioning to wear down the Brazilian champion. When the final bell rang, there was no doubt—Ankalaev had cracked the Pereira puzzle.

The Wrestling Factor: A Nightmare for Pereira?

One of the biggest concerns going into UFC 313 was how Pereira would handle Ankalaev’s wrestling. While Pereira’s striking is world-class, his grappling has always been a question mark.

Against Ankalaev, those weaknesses were brutally exposed.

• Ankalaev mixed in takedowns perfectly, forcing Pereira to constantly defend.
• The control time drained Pereira’s energy, making him less dangerous on the feet.
• Even when standing, Pereira couldn’t unleash his usual striking volume, fearing another takedown.

It was a masterful game plan by Ankalaev, one that left Pereira searching for answers.

Jamahal Hill’s Advice: Can Pereira Fix His Weaknesses?

A Fitness Overhaul: The Key to Winning a Rematch?

After the fight, Jamahal Hill, a former UFC champion himself, didn’t hold back.

“He’s going to have to improve his fitness a lot because what he’s going to throw in the fight needs to be a lot more.”

It’s no secret that Pereira isn’t known for his cardio. His explosive, knockout-driven style is built for quick finishes, not drawn-out battles. But against a fighter like Ankalaev, endurance is just as important as power.

So how can Pereira fix this?

• Extended high-intensity training: More focus on longer sparring rounds and increased pace to simulate deep waters.
• Takedown defense drilling: Learning to stay off his back and avoid energy-draining scrambles.
• Refining his striking volume: Using more frequent kicks and feints to keep Ankalaev guessing.

Jamahal Hill hit the nail on the head—if Pereira doesn’t improve his stamina, the rematch might end the same way as the first fight.

More Kicks, More Variety, More Chaos

“He’s got to kick more, he’s got to find opportunities to increase the frequency of his kicks.”

Hill’s second major point? Pereira needs to weaponize his kicks.

In their first fight, Pereira didn’t use his full arsenal of attacks. His leg kicks, which have crippled opponents in the past, were underutilized. If he wants to beat Ankalaev, he needs to make him uncomfortable by:

• Chopping down Ankalaev’s legs early.
• Throwing front kicks to the body to sap his endurance.
• Mixing in head kicks to create fight-ending moments.

The more Pereira kicks, the less Ankalaev can shoot for takedowns. It’s a risk—but it’s one worth taking.

Will We See a Rematch? What’s Next for Pereira and Ankalaev?

UFC’s Plan: Is a Rematch Inevitable?

With Pereira losing his title, the UFC has a major decision to make.

Does he get an immediate rematch? Or does he have to earn his way back?

Considering Pereira’s star power and knockout ability, the UFC knows that a second fight with Ankalaev would be a massive draw. Fans love a redemption arc, and Pereira’s warrior spirit makes for an incredible storyline.

Can Pereira Win a Rematch?

If Pereira and Ankalaev fight again, it all comes down to adjustments.

• If Pereira improves his gas tank—he has a shot.
• If he adapts his striking strategy—he becomes a bigger threat.
• If he tightens his takedown defense—he can dictate the fight.

But if nothing changes, history will likely repeat itself.

Can Pereira Overcome the Dagestani Nightmare?

The Ankalaev vs. Pereira rivalry could define the light heavyweight division for years to come.

Right now, Ankalaev has the edge—his wrestling, endurance, and pressure game make him a nightmare matchup.

But Pereira has something few fighters in UFC history possess—one-punch, fight-ending power that can erase mistakes in an instant.

If Pereira listens to Jamahal Hill’s advice, sharpens his conditioning, and evolves his strategy, the rematch could be a completely different fight.

Will he rise to the challenge? Or will Ankalaev prove to be his ultimate roadblock?

One thing is certain—if these two warriors meet again, the MMA world will be watching.