Alex Pereira Seeks Rematch After Disputed Loss to Ankalaev
The rematch between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev is expected to take place in August, with Pereira looking to avenge his loss and reclaim the UFC Light-Heavyweight title, and Ankalaev seeking to prove his win was not a fluke, setting the stage for an intense and closely watched fight.
Alex Pereira is disputing the judges' decision in his UFC 313 loss to Magomed Ankalaev, claiming he won rounds 1, 3, and 5, and is now seeking a rematch against the new UFC Light-Heavyweight champion.
The loss was a unanimous decision, with scores of 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46, but Pereira and many fans believe he was "robbed" of a win. Despite the controversy, the UFC has announced that Ankalaev is willing to give Pereira an immediate rematch, with a second fight already in the works. Pereira has also denied claims from Ankalaev's camp that he "greased" during their fight, saying he didn't put anything on his body.
Pereira successfully defended all 12 of Ankalaev's takedown attempts and is now looking forward to a potential rematch, which he expects to happen in August. The former two-division UFC champion had considered withdrawing from the title fight due to health issues, but has denied that an injury or illness contributed to his performance. Instead, he stated that his hand was fine but did affect his fight, and he doesn't want to use the issue as an excuse or leverage for a rematch.
UFC CEO Dana White has already hinted at a potential rematch between Pereira and Ankalaev, and with the UFC announcing that Ankalaev is willing to give Pereira an immediate rematch, it seems likely that the two fighters will face off again soon. Pereira scored the fight 48-47 in his favor and wants a rematch with Ankalaev, expressing satisfaction with his evolution in grappling despite the loss.
As the UFC community awaits the rematch, fans are eager to see how Pereira and Ankalaev will perform in their second fight. With Pereira seeking to prove himself as the true champion and Ankalaev looking to solidify his title, the upcoming rematch is sure to be an exciting and highly anticipated event.