The light heavyweight champion of the UFC has responded to the aftermath of the biggest victory of his career.
After his disappointing version in the main event of UFC 313, Alex Pereira confirmed rumors about injuries and illness that he fought before March 8.
Pereira also spread as a coach of Magomed Ankalaev who accused him and his Greasing team to make it more difficult for his opponent to bring him down.
Both men are now on their way to a rematch with Ankalaev who throws out Augustus as a potential time frame for their second meeting.
After the recent comments from his opponent about the factors that influenced his performance earlier this month, the title holder responded with some of his own.
Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC
Magomed Ankalaev says he has only trained for UFC 313 for four weeks
Alex Pereira did not look at UFC 313 and regardless of the external factors that have led to this, Magomed Ankalaev also deserves the honor for his performance.
The new champion fought very well over five rounds to win a unanimous decision, even though they are unable to fall 'Patan'.
When Pereira confirmed an injury to his hand and some sickness issues with which he had to deal with prior to the fight, he also stated that he did not want to go too much in detail out of respect for Ankalaev.
Although nobody talked about what the new champion could have fought because of the fact that his performance was impressive and no different than his other trips in the Octagon, the Russian spoke this in a recent message.
Ankalaev posted on social media that for fans who believe that the Rematch will be different next time with a healthy Pereira, they are mistaken because he also had much less than ideal preparations for March 8.
The champion stated that his training camp was considerably reduced, which means that the best chance of his opponent to get his hand has already passed.
“I only train four weeks after my last fight, the UFC knows that this was his best chance”
I only train four weeks after my last fight, the UFC knows that this was his best chance
– Muhammad Big Ank Ankalaev (@ankalaevm) 27 March 2025
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Ankalaev also posted the following message for the comments from Pereira about the fight during his appearance on the Ariel Helwani show.
“He was upset that I held him against the cage, but he is not upset when I almost eliminate him that no one in the world thanked, will be won next fight under the three round”
He took advantage of me, I held him against the cage, but he is not upset when I almost eliminate him that no one in the world thanked.
– Muhammad Big Ank Ankalaev (@ankalaevm) 27 March 2025
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Magomed Ankalaev also has room for improvement in the rematch
There has certainly been more conversations about the performance of Alex Pereira on UFC 313 instead of that of Ankalaev.
Although the former champion has a number of clear things that he can improve for a rematch, the same can be said for the defensive title holder.
He was unable to take 'Patan' in five rounds and while this did not influence the result in Las Vegas, the removal would be a greater threat to Ankalaev.
Pereira will come in incredible faith in their rematch that he can leave the fight, but the only thing needed is a successful attempt to change that and turn the fight on his head.
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