Magomed Ankalaev’s bold promise to finish Alex Pereira in a rematch has certainly caught the attention of fight fans. However, delivering on that promise will be a tough challenge
Pereira remains one of the most dangerous strikers in the UFC, and despite Ankalaev’s grappling advantage, finishing ‘Poatan’ will require a near-flawless game plan.
For now, fans will have to wait and see whether the UFC makes the rematch official and if Ankalaev can back up his words inside the Octagon.
Magomed Ankalaev’s win over Alex Pereira at UFC 313 was a statement performance that showcased his striking, wrestling, and overall fight IQ.
While some debates remain about the fight’s scoring, Ankalaev’s confidence in his victory suggests that he believes he is the rightful champion.
With Dana White teasing a possible rematch, fans could be in for another thrilling showdown between these two elite light heavyweights. Whether the rematch happens immediately or further down the line, Ankalaev’s reign as champion has already added intrigue to the division.
Also Read: Magomed Ankalaev Responds to Pereira’s Low Rating: ‘Unfazed by Voodoo
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Magomed Ankalaev’s Bold Promise for a Potential Rematch Against Alex Pereira
Magomed Ankalaev has made a daring statement about his potential rematch against Alex Pereira, adding fuel to the ongoing debate about their first fight at UFC 313.1
After securing a unanimous decision victory over the Brazilian striker, Ankalaev is now promising a finish in a potential second encounter.
Fans have been divided over his victory, with some claiming Pereira was robbed, while others believe Ankalaev deserved the win.
BIG ANK TIME stop running https://t.co/6PkY4TE3rG
— Muhammad big ANK Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) March 14, 2025
Ankalaev’s UFC 313 Victory and the Controversy That Followed
On March 8, 2025, Magomed Ankalaev faced Alex Pereira in the main event of UFC 313. The fight was a grueling contest that saw the Dagestani fighter dethrone Pereira via unanimous decision. However, the result immediately sparked debate within the MMA community.
Many fans felt that the judges unfairly awarded the fight to Ankalaev, arguing that Pereira had done enough to secure a victory.
Critics of Ankalaev’s performance pointed out that he leaned heavily on clinch work and wrestling, stalling the fight rather than decisively beating Pereira.
On the other hand, Ankalaev’s supporters believe the decision was justified. They argue that he dominated most of the fight, even stunning Pereira in the second round and outscoring him in the later rounds. Given the close nature of the contest, many now believe a rematch is inevitable.
Magomed Ankalaev’s Bold Declaration for the Rematch
Amid the growing calls for a rematch, Ankalaev took to X (formerly Twitter) to make a bold promise.2
He claimed that their second fight would not go the distance, implying that he would either knock Pereira out or submit him.
His exact words were:
“I’m ready for round 6 but this time will not go for full distant let’s go guys.”
This statement immediately caught the attention of fight fans, who had mixed reactions to his confidence.
Fans React to Ankalaev’s Statement
Ankalaev’s tweet drew a wide range of responses from the MMA community. While some fans supported his claim, others dismissed it, arguing that Pereira would get the better of him in a rematch.
Many fans took to social media to express their belief that Alex Pereira would be victorious in a second encounter. One user wrote:
“You’re right, it won’t go the distance. Alex is finishing you.”
Others criticized Ankalaev’s fighting style, accusing him of relying too much on clinching and stalling tactics:
“He’s right, it won’t go full distance—he is getting slept.”
Supporters of Ankalaev’s Claim
Meanwhile, Ankalaev’s supporters defended his performance and agreed that he would be even more dominant in a rematch. One fan predicted:
“Big Ank will knock him out this time.”
Another fan expressed excitement for the potential rematch, saying:
“It’s going to be an amazing rematch.”
Some fans also suggested that Ankalaev’s statement was a psychological tactic aimed at getting into Pereira’s head before their inevitable rematch. One user commented:
“Mental game. This guy is good.”
Magomed Ankalaev’s Chances of Finishing Pereira in a Rematch
While Ankalaev is known for his wrestling-heavy approach, he has also displayed knockout power in previous fights.3
If he aims to finish Pereira in a rematch, he will need to make significant adjustments to his striking and grappling strategies.
1. Ankalaev’s Striking Ability
Ankalaev has respectable power in his hands, as seen in previous knockout victories. However, standing and trading with Pereira is a risky strategy.
Pereira, a former kickboxing champion, possesses one of the most devastating striking arsenals in the UFC. If Ankalaev wants to finish him on the feet, he will need to set up his shots carefully and avoid getting into prolonged striking exchanges.
2. The Ground Game Factor
One of Ankalaev’s biggest advantages over Pereira is his grappling. If he can take the fight to the ground and control Pereira, he may have a better chance of securing a submission or ground-and-pound stoppage.
However, in their first fight, Pereira showed improved takedown defense and the ability to get back to his feet. Ankalaev will need to refine his wrestling entries and control to keep Pereira on the mat longer.
3. The Stamina Question
A major factor in the rematch could be Ankalaev’s cardio. If he intends to push for a finish, he must ensure he has the endurance to maintain a high pace without fading in the later rounds.
Pereira has shown resilience in long fights, making it crucial for Ankalaev to manage his energy effectively.
What Does the UFC Think About a Rematch?
- With the controversy surrounding UFC 313’s decision and the fan interest in a rematch, the UFC may be inclined to book an immediate rematch between Ankalaev and Pereira.
- The UFC has a history of granting rematches when fights are close or controversial. Considering Pereira’s star power and the debated nature of their first bout, a second fight could be a major pay-per-view attraction.
- As of now, Alex Pereira has not officially responded to Ankalaev’s statement. However, given his warrior mentality, it is likely that he will welcome the rematch with the same confidence he had before UFC 313.
- Pereira is known for his calm yet deadly approach, and if a rematch is booked, he will likely look to make the necessary adjustments to counter Ankalaev’s game plan.
- If the UFC decides to book the rematch, it could take place later in 2025, possibly in the summer or fall. This would allow both fighters ample time to recover and prepare for another five-round battle.
- Given the high stakes, the rematch could headline another UFC pay-per-view event, potentially in an international venue like Abu Dhabi or Brazil, where both fighters have strong fan support.
Magomed Ankalaev Revisits His UFC 313 Win Over Alex Pereira
Magomed Ankalaev’s victory over Alex Pereira at UFC 313 was one of the most talked-about fights of the year.
The fight, which saw Ankalaev claim the UFC light heavyweight championship, left fans debating whether an immediate rematch was warranted.
Dana White, UFC’s CEO and president, hinted that a second fight between these two warriors could be in the works.
Now, Ankalaev has taken to social media to reflect on his performance, dismissing critics who claim Pereira deserved to win.
He emphasized his striking superiority and strategic use of wrestling, igniting further discussions within the MMA community.
In this article, we will break down the key aspects of Ankalaev’s victory, his reflections on the fight, the possibility of a rematch, and what the future holds for both fighters.
The Role of Wrestling in Ankalaev’s Strategy
While Ankalaev engaged in striking for much of the fight, his wrestling played a crucial role in disrupting Pereira’s rhythm.
- Takedown Threats: Even when he didn’t secure a takedown, the mere threat forced Pereira to adjust his stance, making him less effective on the feet.
- Clinch Control: Ankalaev used the clinch to wear down Pereira and limit his ability to generate explosive strikes.
- Ground-and-Pound Moments: Though brief, Ankalaev’s moments of top control allowed him to land significant damage.
This strategic blend of striking and grappling ensured that Pereira never fully settled into his usual offensive rhythm.
Was the Fight as Close as Some Suggest?
One of the biggest talking points after UFC 313 was whether Pereira had done enough to win. Some fans and analysts argued that his striking moments were more impactful, while others believed Ankalaev’s overall control sealed the victory.
Ankalaev, however, has been adamant that he was the clear winner. His claim that he landed the “hardest shots” and controlled the striking exchanges challenges the narrative that Pereira was robbed.
Ultimately, the fight was competitive, but Ankalaev’s ability to dictate the pace and mix in grappling likely swayed the judges in his favor.
Magomed Ankalaev’s Tactical Approach to UFC 313
Magomed Ankalaev is widely known for his technical and methodical fighting style.
Going into UFC 313, many expected him to rely heavily on his wrestling and ground control to neutralize Pereira’s devastating striking. However, Ankalaev surprised fans by standing and trading blows with the former champion for significant portions of the fight.
In his tweet reflecting on the bout, Ankalaev noted that he spent “20 minutes of this fight striking,” contradicting those who believed he relied solely on grappling. He also claimed that he landed the harder shots and was the one applying pressure throughout.
This approach demonstrated Ankalaev’s confidence in his stand-up game, proving that he was not afraid to engage Pereira in his strongest area.
Breaking Down Ankalaev’s Striking Success
While Pereira is one of the most feared strikers in the UFC, Ankalaev showcased his own striking prowess. Key factors that contributed to his success include:
- Effective Pressure: Ankalaev consistently pushed forward, forcing Pereira to fight off his back foot.
- Calculated Counterstrikes: He capitalized on Pereira’s aggressive style, landing powerful counters.
- Mixing Levels: By threatening takedowns, Ankalaev kept Pereira guessing and created openings for his punches.
Though Pereira landed some clean shots, Ankalaev absorbed them well and continued applying pressure, which may have influenced the judges’ decision.
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Dana White’s Comments on a Potential Rematch
During the post-fight press conference, Dana White acknowledged that a rematch between Ankalaev and Pereira was a strong possibility.
Given the competitive nature of their first fight, a second meeting could settle lingering doubts and determine the division’s true king.
However, White also emphasized that other contenders in the light heavyweight division could factor into the title picture. Fighters like Jiri Prochazka and Jamahal Hill remain in the mix, potentially delaying an immediate rematch.
Ankalaev’s Growing Confidence and Rivalries
Since winning the title, Ankalaev has become more vocal, taking shots at his rivals on social media.
His recent comments about the Pereira fight show that he feels underestimated, and he is eager to prove himself against the division’s best.
This newfound confidence could lead to more intense rivalries, potentially making future fights even more compelling. Whether he defends his title against Pereira or another contender, Ankalaev seems ready to take on all challengers.
