Alex Pereira Shockingly Considered Withdrawing from Magomed Ankalaev Fight – Now He Demands a Rematch!

Alex Pereira has just dropped a bombshell revelation—he considered withdrawing from his UFC 313 title defense against Magomed Ankalaev! Despite his doubts, he ultimately stepped into the octagon in Las Vegas, only to suffer a heartbreaking unanimous decision loss and watch his light heavyweight championship slip away.

In a recent interview, Pereira admitted that he was not at 100 percent leading up to the fight. Though he did not provide specific details, this has sparked widespread speculation that he may have been dealing with an injury before entering the cage.

“I do not like making excuses or taking credit away from my opponent,” Pereira said. “But everyone has their struggles. I had mine, and maybe he had his. That was one of the most complicated fights of my career, but I do not regret fighting.”

Pereira Sparks Controversy—He Believes He Actually Won!

After rewatching the fight, Pereira made a shocking statement—he believes he won! He scored the bout 48-47 in his favor, claiming that rounds one, three, and five belonged to him.

This assessment directly contradicts the official judges’ scorecards, which all ruled in favor of Ankalaev. But Pereira, known for his calm yet dangerous aura, refuses to accept defeat so easily.

“I truly believe I did enough to win,” Pereira stated. “But right now, my focus is on securing a rematch.”

Rematch or Move Up to Heavyweight?

With the devastating loss, many fans are wondering if Pereira will make a blockbuster move to the heavyweight division in pursuit of a historic third UFC title. He has already made a successful transition from middleweight to light heavyweight, proving that his power and skill translate across weight classes.

However, instead of seeking a new challenge, Pereira is laser-focused on avenging his loss.

“I want the rematch,” he declared. “I do not need to win by knockout, but I have the ability to do whatever I want inside that cage with him.”

This bold statement proves that Poatan is far from done, and a high-stakes rematch with Ankalaev is now inevitable.

Will Ankalaev Accept the Challenge?

While Pereira is desperate for revenge, the big question remains—will Ankalaev accept the challenge? After securing the victory, the Russian has not confirmed his next opponent, but with Pereira fueling the fire, UFC may have no choice but to book a massive rematch.

In reality, Ankalaev may have reasons to avoid it. Although he won, the fight did not go as smoothly as he had hoped. His usual dominant wrestling was neutralized, and he failed to secure a single takedown.

If UFC officials decide to schedule a rematch, it could easily be one of the biggest fights of 2025, as both fighters have something to prove.

What Must Pereira Do to Win the Rematch?

If Pereira wants to reclaim his throne, he must adjust his game plan. He cannot allow Ankalaev to dictate the pace like last time. Here are the key factors Pereira must focus on to win the rematch:

1. Improve His Defense—While Pereira is one of the most dangerous strikers in UFC history, he took too many clean shots in their last fight. He must keep a better distance and prevent Ankalaev from controlling the exchanges.

2. Capitalize on Ankalaev’s Takedown Failures—Ankalaev attempted multiple takedowns but failed to execute them properly. If Pereira can time his counters effectively, he could turn Ankalaev’s mistakes into devastating opportunities.

3. Start Stronger in Early Rounds—Pereira often starts slow to analyze his opponent, but in a close fight like this, he must make a statement from the opening bell. Controlling the first two rounds could be crucial in a five-round war.

4. Put Pressure on UFC for an Immediate Rematch—If Pereira continues to apply pressure on UFC officials, the rematch could happen much sooner than expected. He has already hinted at wanting to fight again in August, and if UFC agrees, fans could witness one of the most anticipated rematches in UFC history.

Will UFC Give Pereira What He Wants?

Right now, UFC executives have yet to make an official decision regarding Ankalaev’s next opponent. However, given that Pereira remains one of the biggest names in the sport, it is highly likely that Dana White will listen to his demands.

Additionally, UFC has not yet scheduled a major main event for the summer of 2025, which means Ankalaev vs. Pereira 2 could easily be booked for a high-profile pay-per-view event, possibly UFC 320.

No matter what happens, one thing is certain—Alex Pereira is not backing down. After a bitter loss, he is not just looking to regain his title but also to send a powerful message to the entire division: Poatan does not break!

Final Thoughts—Will Pereira’s Revenge Become Reality?

With all the drama surrounding UFC 313, the potential rematch between Pereira and Ankalaev is the fight that every UFC fan wants to see. Pereira is determined to take back his belt, Ankalaev wants to prove his dominance, and UFC needs a blockbuster fight to boost pay-per-view sales.

Is Alex Pereira’s Legacy at Stake?

For Alex Pereira, this rematch is more than just about reclaiming his title—it is about protecting his legacy. Losing to Magomed Ankalaev has put a dent in his aura of invincibility, and now, critics are starting to question whether he was ever truly the dominant force at light heavyweight.

Some believe that Pereira’s meteoric rise was fueled by his devastating knockout power, but now that Ankalaev neutralized his offense, they argue that Pereira may have been exposed. But Poatan is no stranger to doubt. He has defied expectations before—first when he shocked the world by knocking out Israel Adesanya, then again when he claimed the light heavyweight title with just two fights in the division.

Now, the stakes are even higher. If Pereira loses again, it could permanently damage his status as one of the most feared strikers in UFC history. But if he bounces back with a dominant win, it would solidify his place as a two-division legend.

With everything on the line, will Pereira rise once again, or is this the beginning of his downfall? The world is waiting for answers, and UFC must deliver the rematch that settles the score once and for all!