Pereira Reveals He Battled Ankalaev at Only 40 Percent Capacity
UFC 320: Alex Pereira Aims for Redemption Against Magomed Ankalaev
In a highly anticipated rematch, former UFC champion Alex Pereira is preparing to face off against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320, scheduled for October 4 in Las Vegas. This matchup follows their initial encounter at UFC 313, where Pereira lost his light heavyweight title in a unanimous decision. Pereira has now revealed that he fought at “40%” during their first meeting, citing physical limitations that impacted his performance.
Pereira Reflects on UFC 313 Performance
Pereira acknowledges that he entered the octagon at UFC 313 while grappling with undisclosed physical issues. In a recent interview with CBS Sports, he expressed that his conditioning was subpar, stating, “I think the conditioning I was going into that fight with, honestly, I was about 40%. I’m going to be much more this time. Even if I’m 50%, that 10% is going to make such a difference.” His determination to perform at his best is evident, as he aims to erase any doubts surrounding his capabilities.
Road to Recovery and Past Injuries
At 38 years old, Pereira is no stranger to competing under challenging circumstances. Notably, he stepped in to headline UFC 300 against Jamahal Hill with a broken toe, showcasing his resilience. Further complicating his journey, he reinjured the same toe during a title defense against Jirí Prochazka at UFC 303. Despite these setbacks, Pereira’s experience as a former two-weight champion in both kickboxing and MMA, boasting over 50 professional appearances, has prepared him for this rematch.
Growing Tensions Ahead of Rematch
The lead-up to the rematch has not been without drama. Animosity between Pereira and Ankalaev has been escalating as they confront each other publicly. During a recent visit to the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas, Pereira called out Ankalaev, accusing him of avoiding confrontation despite speaking about him online. In response, Ankalaev expressed a complete loss of respect for his opponent, intensifying the rivalry as both fighters approach the bout.
Match Overview and Expectations
In their first fight, Ankalaev dominated on the judges’ scorecards, winning decisively in both reach and control. The scorecards reflected:
- Two judges awarded him three rounds to Pereira’s two
- One judge gave Ankalaev four rounds, confirming his control
As UFC 320 approaches, Pereira is focused on not just reclaiming his title but also avenging his earlier defeat. Expectations are high for this rematch, and fans are eager to see how both fighters adapt and evolve from their first encounter.
With Pereira’s determination and Ankalaev’s rising fame, UFC 320 promises to deliver intense action and a pivotal moment in the light heavyweight division. Stay tuned as the drama unfolds in the lead-up to this highly anticipated fight in Las Vegas.
