Magomed Ankalaev Says He And Alex Pereira Have Begun Negotiations For A Rematch: "We Are Ready"

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In the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), some rivalries go beyond simple competition. They become narratives of perseverance, strategy, and redemption—capturing the attention of millions. One such rivalry is that of Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira, two elite fighters who have been at the center of light heavyweight championship drama.

Their recent clash at UFC 313 was not just about a belt—it was about proving dominance, answering controversies, and shaping the future of the division. As tensions rise and a rematch looms, we dive into everything that makes this rivalry one of the most compelling in modern MMA.

Magomed Ankalaev: The Steady Rise to Championship Glory

A Dagestani Powerhouse

Hailing from Dagestan, Russia—a region famous for producing world-class fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov—Magomed Ankalaev built a reputation as a strategic and highly disciplined fighter. His background in combat sambo and wrestling made him a formidable force inside the octagon.

Over the years, Ankalaev developed a striking-heavy approach, combining his counter-striking abilities with strong takedown defense. This evolution made him an incredibly well-rounded competitor, capable of neutralizing even the most dangerous opponents.

Key Victories That Led to His Title Shot

Before facing Alex Pereira for the UFC light heavyweight title, Ankalaev went on an impressive win streak, defeating names like:

Anthony Smith (TKO)
Thiago Santos (Unanimous Decision)
Jan Błachowicz (Split Draw in a title fight)

His only UFC blemish before capturing the belt was a last-second submission loss to Paul Craig—a fight he was dominating until the final second. This loss fueled his growth and turned him into the championship-caliber fighter we see today.

Alex Pereira: A Fearsome Adversary from Kickboxing to MMA

The Striking Powerhouse from Brazil

Alex “Poatan” Pereira is no ordinary fighter. His journey to MMA greatness started in kickboxing, where he became one of the most feared strikers in the world. Holding multiple GLORY Kickboxing titles, Pereira transitioned to the UFC, where his devastating left hook became legendary.

Unlike Ankalaev, who had years of MMA experience, Pereira’s MMA career was still young—but his ability to knock out opponents with a single punch made him one of the most dangerous strikers in UFC history.

Rapid Climb to the Light Heavyweight Throne

Pereira’s path to UFC gold was remarkable. He:

Knocked out Sean Strickland in the first round
Defeated Israel Adesanya to win the middleweight title
Moved up to light heavyweight and defeated former champion Jan Błachowicz
Claimed the light heavyweight belt after knocking out Jiří Procházka

His elite striking skills made him a nightmare for most opponents—but as his fight with Ankalaev proved, every striker eventually meets a fighter who can neutralize them.

UFC 313: The Championship Clash

A Fight That Delivered Tension and Strategy

At UFC 313, Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira faced off for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship in a highly anticipated bout.

From the opening round, it was clear that Ankalaev came prepared with a tactical approach. Instead of rushing into wild exchanges, he controlled distance, countered Pereira’s power shots, and utilized his wrestling to tire the Brazilian out.

Round 1-2: Pereira landed some effective low kicks, but Ankalaev countered with clean boxing combinations and takedowns.
Round 3: A turning point—Ankalaev took Pereira down and controlled him on the ground.
Round 4-5: Ankalaev’s superior gas tank allowed him to land more strikes and maintain control, leading to a unanimous decision victory.

With this win, Magomed Ankalaev became the undisputed UFC light heavyweight champion.

Post-Fight Controversies and Accusations

Did Pereira “Grease” During the Fight?

After the fight, Ankalaev’s coach, Sukhrab Magomedov, accused Pereira of “greasing”, claiming that he had applied a substance to his body to make grappling exchanges difficult.

“He had some substance smeared on him,” Magomedov stated. “When Magomed tried to hold him in place, it felt slippery.”

These accusations sparked debate in the MMA community. Some fans dismissed them as excuses, while others pointed out that greasing allegations have occurred in the UFC before—notably in fights involving Georges St-Pierre and BJ Penn.

Judging Controversy: Did Pereira Deserve the Win?

Pereira’s camp, including coaches Plinio Cruz and Glover Teixeira, strongly disagreed with the judges’ decision.

They claimed Pereira won Rounds 1, 3, and 5, which would have made him the winner by split decision.
They emphasized that his leg kicks caused significant damage, limiting Ankalaev’s movement.

However, most analysts and media outlets scored the fight for Ankalaev, highlighting his wrestling control and superior striking efficiency.

Ankalaev’s Response: “We Are Ready for a Rematch”

Unlike some fighters who hesitate after winning a title, Magomed Ankalaev immediately expressed willingness to grant Pereira a rematch.

“If they want a rematch, we are ready,” Ankalaev said in a post-fight interview. “We fight with honor. If the fans and UFC want it, let’s do it again.”

This move earned massive respect from the MMA community. When Pereira was champion, he was often reluctant to give certain fighters (like Ankalaev) a title shot. Now that Ankalaev is in power, he’s openly welcoming the challenge—a true display of championship mentality.

Pereira’s Response: “Poatan 2.0” Is Coming

Despite the loss, Alex Pereira remains confident that he can make the necessary adjustments and reclaim his title.

His coach, Glover Teixeira, stated: “This was just the first fight. Next time, we will be more prepared.”
Pereira himself has promised a new and improved version—Poatan 2.0.

Many expect Pereira to work heavily on his takedown defense and grappling in preparation for a potential rematch.

The Road to a Rematch: What’s Next?

With Ankalaev expressing openness to a rematch and Pereira eager to redeem himself, the UFC is likely to book Ankalaev vs. Pereira 2 later this year.

Key Adjustments for Both Fighters:

For Ankalaev:

Sharpen striking defense against leg kicks
Improve submission threats to capitalize on takedowns
Maintain high conditioning to outlast Pereira again

For Pereira:

Develop better takedown defense
Work on scrambles to escape from bottom position
Utilize more clinch striking to avoid ground control

Both fighters have a clear path to victory, making this rematch one of the most intriguing potential fights of 2025.

Final Thoughts: A Rivalry That Defines the Light Heavyweight Division

The Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira saga is more than just a championship fight—it’s a battle of styles, mentalities, and martial arts philosophy.

Ankalaev represents strategic patience and all-around dominance.
Pereira embodies explosive power and knockout artistry.

With controversy fueling the fire and both men hungry to prove their superiority, a rematch would not only settle unfinished business—it would further cement one of them as the true king of the UFC’s light heavyweight division.

Who do you think wins the rematch? Does Pereira have what it takes to reclaim his throne, or will Ankalaev prove he’s the superior fighter once and for all? Let us know in the comments!