Alex Pereira’s reign as UFC light heavyweight champion came to a sudden and dramatic halt at UFC 313, with Magomed Ankalaev emerging victorious in a bout that saw Pereira struggle to keep up with Ankalaev’s pace and pressure. Despite the striking numbers being fairly close, Ankalaev’s aggressive approach and his threat of the takedown were enough to secure the win, handing Pereira his first light heavyweight defeat.
Pereira’s Uncharacteristic Performance
For a fighter like Pereira, known for his explosive knockout power, UFC 313 was a stark contrast to his usual dominance. Having previously defended his light heavyweight title with spectacular knockouts, the Brazilian fighter failed to replicate that same intensity against Ankalaev. While the fight wasn’t without moments of pressure from Pereira, it was Ankalaev who showcased superior aggression and control throughout the contest.
In the second round, Ankalaev nearly dropped Pereira with a massive punch, but Pereira managed to weather the storm. Despite this, Pereira’s striking, typically his most formidable weapon, seemed less sharp, and he appeared to struggle to find his rhythm as the fight wore on. The clinch battles against the fence also exposed vulnerabilities that Pereira had not encountered in his previous defenses.
Michael Bisping’s Harsh Critique
Following Pereira’s first loss as a light heavyweight, UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping didn’t hold back in his criticism of Pereira’s performance. In a video posted to his YouTube channel, Bisping questioned Pereira’s hunger and desire to win, highlighting a “lazy performance” in comparison to what fans have come to expect from the Brazilian powerhouse.
“From Alex Pereira, it was just kind of a lazy performance. I didn’t see that real desire to want to win,” Bisping said, adding that Ankalaev’s pressure and the threat of takedowns were enough to disrupt Pereira’s usual aggression. While Pereira managed to defend against Ankalaev’s takedowns, it wasn’t enough to secure the victory.
Bisping continued: “You don’t win a fight by defending takedowns… Ankalaev landed the bigger shots, was more aggressive, was going forward, and there was just more output.” Although Bisping made it clear that Pereira wasn’t tired or out of breath, he emphasized that the lack of output and aggression from the champion was a major factor in his loss.
UFC’s Concerns Over Pereira’s Pre-Fight Preparation
Before the fight, there had been concerns over Pereira’s preparation, particularly his busy schedule in the weeks leading up to UFC 313. Pereira had cornered UFC Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland at UFC 312 in Australia just days before his own fight against Ankalaev. UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier had voiced concerns about the effect of Pereira’s global travels on his training camp, which may have left the champion less focused and prepared for the high-stakes title defense.
While Pereira admitted after the fight that he “felt that he had a case to win,” he acknowledged the need for adjustments if he were to get another shot at Ankalaev. Dana White, the UFC CEO, has expressed interest in an immediate rematch, and fans are eager to see whether Pereira can reclaim his throne with a more focused and refined performance.
The Road Ahead: Potential Rematch and Future Plans
Despite the loss, Pereira’s body of work in the UFC makes a strong case for an immediate rematch with Ankalaev. After winning the vacant light heavyweight title at UFC 295, Pereira was seen as a potential threat to break Jon Jones’ record, but the loss at UFC 313 has now complicated his path forward.
Pereira had previously defended his title with dominant knockouts against top fighters like Jiří Procházka, Jamahal Hill, and Khalil Rountree, but UFC 313 exposed cracks in his game. With the potential for an Ankalaev rematch still looming, the question now is whether Pereira can bounce back and prove himself once again as the champion.
Furthermore, Pereira’s potential move to heavyweight might now be on hold after his shocking loss. As the UFC landscape continues to evolve, with discussions surrounding the upcoming Jones vs. Tom Aspinall fight, Pereira will be watching closely as he plans his next move.
Despite the criticism and his unexpected title loss, Pereira remains one of the most dangerous fighters in the UFC. With his knockout power and vast experience, he is still a major force in the light heavyweight division. However, the loss to Ankalaev has raised questions about his preparation and desire to win at the highest level. As Pereira looks ahead to a potential rematch and continues to refine his skills, fans will be eager to see whether he can regain his championship form.