The recent UFC 313 event marked a significant turn of events, with Magomed Ankalaev (21-1-1) emerging victorious against Alex Pereira (12-3). This outcome has sent ripples throughout the company, as ‘Poatan’ is not only the biggest superstar in the UFC but also its most active champion. The loss of Pereira means that Dana White can no longer leverage his image to sell multiple high-profile events per year, a strategy that had been successful in 2024. However, White has already hinted at an immediate rematch during the post-fight press conference, stating that it’s “probably” on the cards.
Following his win, Ankalaev took to the UFC microphones, jokingly declaring the end of the “Chama” era and the beginning of the “Big Ank Time.” The newly crowned light heavyweight champion also expressed his willingness to accept a rematch, acknowledging that he doesn’t choose his opponents and is more than happy to take on Pereira again whenever the UFC decides. Given that neither Pereira nor Ankalaev suffered significant damage during their fight, it’s likely that the rematch could take place in the second half of 2025.
As Ankalaev pointed out,
“Everyone thought Alex Pereira was the most exciting fighter, and look how he fought against me.”
The Dagestani fighter has faced criticism for his conservative strategy against ‘Poatan,’ but he blamed Pereira for evading him throughout the five rounds. Ankalaev emphasized that the excitement of a fight depends not only on him but also on his opponent, saying, “It’s not just about me; it’s also about my dance partner.”
On the other hand, Alex Pereira has shown remarkable philosophical attitude in the face of defeat. His reign as the light heavyweight champion came to an end after three successful title defenses. ‘Poatan’ congratulated his opponent, didn’t make excuses, and even celebrated his journey so far with his team and family. In a video shared on social media, the Brazilian reassured his fans that he’s doing well and is already thinking about how to improve and reclaim the title.
Pereira stated, “Thanks to my team. I’ll make some adjustments for the rematch and come back even stronger. You can count on it. Never give up on your dreams. Chama.” The Brazilian was even seen dancing with his team backstage, and his arch-nemesis Jamahal Hill took to social media to praise Pereira’s behavior, saying that the lesson he’s taught his children by handling defeat with dignity is more valuable than any championship title he’s won. Indeed, in both victory and defeat, Pereira has proven himself to be a true champion.
The Road to Redemption
The highly anticipated rematch between Ankalaev and Pereira is likely to be one of the most exciting events in the UFC calendar. With both fighters having expressed their willingness to face each other again, it’s only a matter of time before the UFC announces the date and venue for the rematch. As the light heavyweight division continues to evolve, one thing is certain – the rivalry between Ankalaev and Pereira is far from over.
In the world of mixed martial arts, a fighter’s legacy is often defined by their ability to bounce back from defeat. For Alex Pereira, the journey to redemption has already begun. With his sights set on regaining the title, ‘Poatan’ will undoubtedly be working tirelessly to improve his skills and strategy. As for Magomed Ankalaev, he will be looking to build on his recent success and cement his position as the reigning light heavyweight champion. The stage is set for an epic rematch, and the world will be watching with bated breath as these two warriors clash once again.
Key Takeaways
- Magomed Ankalaev defeated Alex Pereira at UFC 313, marking the end of Pereira’s reign as light heavyweight champion.
- Ankalaev and Pereira have both expressed their willingness to face each other in a rematch, which is likely to take place in the second half of 2025.
- Pereira has shown remarkable philosophical attitude in the face of defeat, congratulating his opponent and vowing to improve and reclaim the title.
- The rivalry between Ankalaev and Pereira is far from over, with the highly anticipated rematch set to be one of the most exciting events in the UFC calendar.