Magomed Ankalaev Heats Up UFC Fans with Suggestion for Rematch Location Against Alex Pereira: Will Chicago Be the Center of the Summer 2025 Showdown?

Magomed Ankalaev shocked the MMA world with his emphatic victory over Alex Pereira at UFC 313, capturing the light heavyweight championship and establishing himself as one of the most dangerous fighters in the division. But just as quickly as he climbed to the top, talk of a rematch with Alex Pereira began to circulate—ignited by UFC president Dana White and fueled by fan anticipation.

Now, as the smoke settles from their first encounter, Ankalaev has dropped a major clue regarding the potential location for the rematch, pointing to none other than Chicago as the battleground for round two. With negotiations reportedly in motion and both fighters recovering from their respective physical tolls, UFC fans are on the edge of their seats awaiting confirmation.

Let’s break down how this rematch came about, what Ankalaev’s cryptic social media post suggests, and how a return to Chicago could set the stage for one of the biggest UFC light heavyweight title bouts in recent memory.

Magomed Ankalaev stuns Alex Pereira to claim UFC gold

Heading into UFC 313, the odds were slightly tilted in Alex Pereira’s favor. The Brazilian superstar had cemented his legacy in both the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions, displaying knockout power, a stone-cold demeanor, and an iron will. However, Magomed Ankalaev had other plans. Known for his Dagestani discipline and stoic composure, Ankalaev entered the Octagon with precision, focus, and an unshakable game plan.

In a fight that was expected to be tightly contested, Ankalaev dismantled Pereira with clinical efficiency. From striking exchanges to wrestling control, he dominated nearly every round. The Russian powerhouse not only shut down Pereira’s offense but imposed his own style with relentless takedowns and ground-and-pound.

The unanimous decision victory was not just a triumph—it was a message. Magomed Ankalaev had arrived, and the light heavyweight throne was no longer up for grabs.

Dana White fuels talk of an immediate rematch

Following the shocking result, Dana White didn’t mince words. In the UFC 313 post-fight press conference, the UFC president hinted at a potential rematch. “You guys saw that Pereira wasn’t himself tonight. We might have to run this back,” White told reporters. That statement sent the MMA community into a frenzy.

Adding fuel to the fire were reports that Alex Pereira had been dealing with a broken hand and a norovirus infection leading up to the fight. According to UFC commentator Joe Rogan, Pereira entered the cage compromised—an insight that provided some context for his underwhelming performance.

For many fans and analysts, that raised questions: Should there be an asterisk next to Ankalaev’s win? Was Pereira at his best? And does he deserve another shot at redemption?

From a promotional standpoint, it was a no-brainer. A rematch between the two, especially if held in a new city with fresh hype, could bring in massive pay-per-view numbers.

Chicago teased as rematch location by Ankalaev himself

Magomed Ankalaev recently took to X (formerly Twitter) with a cryptic yet revealing message that sent fans buzzing. “Who likes deep-dish pizza?” he posted, followed by another statement: “A month ago, I broke hearts. In August, Big Ank is throwing down Chicago Bulls style.”

While he never explicitly stated that Chicago will host the rematch, the clues were clear. Deep-dish pizza is synonymous with Chicago, and the reference to the iconic NBA franchise added more weight to the speculation.

It would be the first time since UFC 238 in 2019 that the organization returns to the Windy City. That event saw Henry Cejudo defeat Marlon Moraes for the bantamweight title—a high-energy card that drew a sell-out crowd. The timing couldn’t be better for the UFC to revisit one of America’s most sports-crazed cities, especially with a title rematch of this caliber on the line.

Why Chicago makes perfect sense for UFC and the fighters

Staging the Pereira vs Ankalaev rematch in Chicago checks multiple boxes for the UFC. First, it’s a large media market with a rich sports history. Second, it’s a city that hasn’t seen a major UFC event in years, creating natural demand. Third, the UFC has a growing Eastern European and South American fan base in the Midwest—making it ideal for a fight featuring a Dagestani warrior and a Brazilian legend.

Moreover, August has historically been a successful month for UFC Fight Nights and PPVs. Summer energy, tourist traffic, and fewer sporting events competing for attention give the UFC prime real estate in the sports calendar. A well-timed card in Chicago could very well be one of the biggest pay-per-views of the year.

Can Alex Pereira bounce back from adversity?

The big question heading into the rematch is whether Alex Pereira can recover and return to peak form. The former two-division champion has made a career out of defying odds. His journey from kickboxing to MMA, and his rapid rise in two weight classes, proved his adaptability and skill. But the loss at UFC 313 exposed vulnerabilities—especially against top-tier grapplers like Ankalaev.

Reports suggest Pereira had been hampered by a fractured hand and a norovirus infection in the lead-up to the fight, which could explain his lack of explosiveness and defensive struggles. These factors, while unfortunate, don’t diminish Ankalaev’s win—but they do open the door for a more competitive rematch.

If Pereira enters the cage healthy and with a refined game plan, fans could witness a completely different dynamic. Will he adjust to Ankalaev’s takedowns? Can he control distance better and unleash his signature leg kicks and power punches? Or will the Dagestani dominance prove too much once again?

Magomed Ankalaev eyes legacy with a second win

For Magomed Ankalaev, a second win over Pereira would silence any remaining doubters. It would solidify his reign as champion and erase any “what ifs” tied to his opponent’s health. Ankalaev has long been viewed as a sleeping giant in the division—technically sound, strategically intelligent, and physically imposing.

With Khabib Nurmagomedov’s legacy still looming large over Dagestani MMA, Ankalaev has the opportunity to forge his own path. A clean sweep over a fighter like Pereira would elevate him to new heights, potentially opening the door for super fights or even a move to heavyweight down the line.

UFC’s light heavyweight division enters a new era

Beyond the immediate implications for Ankalaev and Pereira, this rematch could signify a changing of the guard in the UFC light heavyweight division. For years, the division was dominated by names like Jon Jones, Daniel Cormier, and Jan Błachowicz. Now, a new wave of talent led by fighters like Ankalaev, Jamahal Hill, and Jiří Procházka is reshaping the landscape.

The outcome of the rematch could dictate matchmaking for the rest of 2025. If Pereira wins, a trilogy fight is inevitable. If Ankalaev retains, it could open the door for fresh challengers and international events featuring the new champion.

Fan anticipation grows as official announcement nears

While the UFC has yet to officially confirm the rematch or its location, the signs are all there. Ankalaev’s Chicago teaser, combined with Dana White’s earlier remarks and Pereira’s injury status, suggest it’s only a matter of time before the fight is locked in.

Ticket sales, promotional tours, and fight week events in a city like Chicago would generate massive buzz. Given how passionately both fighters’ fanbases follow them, expect fireworks both inside and outside the Octagon.

Final Thoughts: Chicago could host one of UFC’s biggest events of 2025

If Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira II takes place in Chicago this August, it won’t just be a rematch—it will be a statement. A statement about resilience, redemption, and rightful reign in one of UFC’s most iconic divisions.

From Ankalaev’s confident hints to Pereira’s hopeful recovery, everything points toward a high-stakes war in the Windy City. With both legacy and the light heavyweight crown on the line, this is shaping up to be a can’t-miss event.

One fighter looks to prove his victory wasn’t circumstantial; the other seeks revenge and redemption. And if it happens under the bright lights of Chicago, the only certainty is this—fans are in for a legendary UFC showdown.