UPDATE: Former UFC champion Alex Pereira is set to face Magomed Ankalaev in an urgent rematch at UFC 320, taking place in Las Vegas this Saturday at 10 p.m. ET. This fight comes just months after Pereira’s disappointing loss to Ankalaev in March, where he surrendered the light heavyweight title by unanimous decision.
Pereira’s manager, Jorge Guimarães, revealed that the fighter expressed serious concerns about his health leading up to that bout, an unusual occurrence for someone typically resilient. “He never complains, except when he’s losing weight,” Guimarães told ESPN. “This time, he was not feeling right.”
The stakes are high for Pereira (12-3) as he enters UFC 320 as the underdog at odds of +210, according to ESPN BET. Following his loss, Pereira acknowledged he was only “40%” of his usual self during their first encounter. His physical therapist, Kaue Yub, confirmed that Pereira was grappling with a stress fracture in his tibia and had been placed on antibiotics just weeks before the fight.
In the aftermath of that defeat, Pereira took essential time off to recover, significantly reducing his travel and training load. “After the last fight, I knew what I needed to correct,” Pereira stated. “I just needed to heal my body and take care of myself.” His commitment to recovery has been clear, as he dedicated himself to an uninterrupted training camp in Danbury, Connecticut, alongside coach Glover Teixeira.
The challenges faced by Pereira, including a grueling fight schedule and physical ailments, were highlighted when he dropped scorecards of 49-46, 48-47, and 48-47 to Ankalaev. This rematch represents a critical turning point in Pereira’s career, and his team believes he is prepared to showcase a revitalized performance.
Guimarães expressed confidence heading into UFC 320, saying, “I feel very, very good about this one.” Despite Pereira’s injuries in previous fights, this time he has focused on recovery and training, setting the stage for a compelling showdown against Ankalaev.
As fans eagerly anticipate the fight, the emotional weight of Pereira’s journey adds to the narrative. His history of injuries and the intense pressure of reclaiming his title will undoubtedly make this rematch a must-watch event.
Stay tuned as Pereira aims to turn the tide in this high-stakes encounter, which could reshape his legacy in the UFC. The fight promises to deliver excitement and drama, making it one of the most talked-about events in mixed martial arts this year.
