Alex Pereira Shuts Down ‘Greasing’ Accusations After UFC 313 Loss

The MMA world was sent into a frenzy after Magomed Ankalaev’s team accused Alex Pereira of ‘greasing’ during their UFC 313 light-heavyweight title fight. Ankalaev, a dominant grappler, failed to secure a single takedown in 12 attempts, leading his camp to suggest that Pereira may have used an illegal substance to make himself more slippery.

This accusation has sparked intense debates among fighters, fans, and analysts alike. Some believe it’s just an excuse for Ankalaev’s failure to execute his wrestling-heavy game plan, while others argue that greasing is a real issue in MMA.

But Pereira wasted no time in firing back, strongly denying the allegations and calling them a desperate attempt to protect Ankalaev’s reputation.

Pereira Fires Back: ‘Make Better Excuses’

Speaking with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, Pereira dismissed the allegations as pure nonsense.

“Absolutely did not put anything on my body,” he stated.
“Sounds to me like they’re just trying to justify the fact that Ankalaev was trained to take me down, but couldn’t.”

Pereira even sarcastically suggested that Ankalaev’s camp should blame Vaseline on the mat as well, since the Russian fighter also lost his footing multiple times.

His frustration is understandable—fighters work tirelessly to prepare for championship fights, and when their opponents look for excuses after a loss, it takes away from the legitimacy of the victory.

Ankalaev’s Dominance But Unexpected Fight Style

Despite the takedown struggles, Ankalaev secured a dominant unanimous decision victory over Pereira, shocking many fans by outstriking the former kickboxing world champion rather than relying on his usual suffocating grappling style.

This was not the fight many expected, as Ankalaev had long been known as a wrestling-heavy fighter. Instead, he proved that he could hang with one of the most dangerous strikers in the sport.

“The game plan was clear,” a member of Ankalaev’s coaching team stated.
“We knew we had to mix things up, but it was frustrating that our wrestling wasn’t working as expected.”

This raises an important question: Has Ankalaev evolved into a true all-around mixed martial artist, or was this simply a one-time performance against a specific opponent?

Pereira’s Meteoric Rise—and Harsh Fall

Before losing his belt, Pereira had built an incredible five-fight winning streak, proving to be one of the most dangerous knockout artists in the UFC.

His reign included three consecutive TKO finishes against top-tier competition:

• Jiri Prochazka (twice)

• Jamal Hill

• Khalil Rountree Jr.

His electrifying kickboxing pedigree and sheer knockout power made him a fan favorite, despite his limited English skills.

Many believed that Pereira was nearly unstoppable at light heavyweight, as his precision, power, and calm demeanor made him a nightmare for any opponent standing across the cage.

However, this loss has exposed some potential flaws in his game. While Pereira has improved his takedown defense significantly, he was still outpointed by a more well-rounded fighter.

The Road to Redemption: Immediate Rematch Incoming?

Now, with the title gone, Pereira is already plotting his comeback. The Brazilian fighter has no plans of sitting on the sidelines, making it clear that he wants an immediate rematch.

“Nothing official yet, but August sounds good,” Pereira said.
“As soon as the contract gets in, I’m signing.”

His confidence remains unshaken, and he isn’t necessarily chasing another knockout. Instead, he believes he has the skill set to dictate the fight in any way he chooses.

“It doesn’t have to be a knockout, but I feel that I have enough game to do whatever I want with this guy.”

This is a strong statement from a fighter who has made his career off of brutal knockouts. If Pereira is suggesting that he could outpoint Ankalaev over five rounds, it means he’s looking at major strategic adjustments for their potential rematch.

What’s Next for the UFC Light Heavyweight Division?

While Pereira is gunning for an immediate rematch, UFC President Dana White has yet to confirm if that will happen. There are a few factors to consider:

1. Does the UFC want fresh matchups? – If the promotion wants to keep the division moving, they may opt to give another contender a shot before granting Pereira an immediate rematch.

2. Is Ankalaev willing to fight Pereira again right away? – Ankalaev may want to prove that his win was no fluke, or he may prefer to take on a new challenge.

3. Will fans demand the rematch? – The UFC is a business, and if Pereira vs. Ankalaev II generates massive hype, it will be hard to ignore.

Will Pereira Get His Revenge?

While the rematch hasn’t been confirmed, it seems inevitable. The UFC loves a redemption arc, and Pereira’s star power makes this fight an easy sell.

The big question remains—can Pereira adjust and reclaim his title, or has Ankalaev finally found the perfect formula to neutralize his power?

With UFC 313 now in the rearview mirror, all eyes turn to August, where the next chapter in this rivalry could unfold.

For Pereira, this isn’t just about reclaiming the belt—it’s about proving that he is still one of the most dangerous fighters in the world.

For Ankalaev, a rematch would give him the chance to silence any lingering doubts and solidify his reign as the undisputed light heavyweight king.

One thing is certain—if this rematch happens, the MMA world will be watching.

How Will Pereira Adjust for the Rematch?

If Alex Pereira gets his highly anticipated rematch against Magomed Ankalaev, the key to victory will be strategy and adaptation. While he has proven his knockout power time and time again, he may need to make crucial technical adjustments to reclaim the UFC light heavyweight championship.

One of the biggest takeaways from the first fight was Ankalaev’s ability to outstrike Pereira, a surprising turn of events given that most expected the Russian to rely on his wrestling. If Pereira wants to win the rematch, he must improve his defensive footwork, work on cutting off Ankalaev’s movement, and ensure he dictates the striking exchanges rather than reacting to his opponent’s attacks.

Additionally, Pereira must continue refining his takedown defense. While he successfully stuffed all 12 takedown attempts from Ankalaev in their first fight, preventing a takedown is one thing, but punishing a failed attempt is another. If he can capitalize on Ankalaev’s grappling failures, he can make his opponent hesitant to shoot, forcing him into more dangerous striking exchanges where Pereira excels.

More than anything, Pereira’s mindset will be crucial. He is known for his stoic demeanor, but coming off a loss, he must approach this fight with even more intensity and focus. A loss in the rematch could mean the end of his reign at the top, but a victory could cement his legacy as one of the greatest strikers in MMA history.