The intense rivalry between two of the UFC's top fighters, Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev, is heating up again as both men prepare for a highly anticipated rematch. Their initial bout took place at UFC 313 on March 8, 2025, where Ankalaev shocked fans by defeating Pereira via unanimous decision, snatching away the light heavyweight crown that the Brazilian once held.
In the aftermath of that fight, UFC president Dana White hinted that an immediate rematch was a plausible direction for the promotion to take, and Ankalaev, eager to assert his dominance, confirmed he is already preparing for a second face-off with Pereira. He stated on social media, "I have a date and I accepted already; I hope my opponent will accept too. This time there will be no five rounds, I don’t get paid by the hour," indicating his intent to finish the fight decisively.
Pereira's performance during their first encounter raised eyebrows; although he successfully defended against all twelve of Ankalaev's takedown attempts, his striking opportunities seemed limited. Despite the challenges, Pereira vowed to make substantial adjustments for the rematch, backed by strong advice from fellow fighters. UFC light heavyweight Jamahal Hill emphasized, "He’s going to have to bump his cardio up a lot because his output’s going to have to go up," suggesting that Pereira must increase his aggressiveness and incorporate a heavier volume of kicks.
The narrative between these two fighters is getting more charged, especially with Ankalaev's team accusing Pereira of cheating during their initial bout, claiming he applied grease to his body to evade takedown attempts. This accusation has certainly added fuel to their already fiery rivalry.
As fans eagerly await the announcement of the official date and location of their rematch, speculation is rife within the MMA community. Many hope that the rematch might take place during the much-anticipated International Fight Week this July, thus providing the sport with the high-stakes headliner it craves. Alternatively, there’s talk of positioning the fight as a feature on a significant Madison Square Garden card slated for later in the year.
Despite the controversies and setbacks, both fighters possess a compelling resume. Ankalaev, prior to his title win, showcased his prowess with a series of impressive victories, including knockouts over Johnny Walker and a dominant decision over Aleksandar Rakic. Meanwhile, Pereira emerged as a formidable champion in the light heavyweight division, having defended his title successfully against high-caliber opponents like Jamahal Hill and Jiri Prochazka, having rattled off a five-fight winning streak before his match with Ankalaev.
With both fighters hungry to prove themselves, this rematch has all the makings of an unforgettable event in UFC history. "Rumble in the jungle! Big Ank vs Poatan 2!" echoed sentiments shared among excited fans across social media.
Dricus Du Plessis, the current middleweight champion and an interested observer in this rivalry, also expressed disappointment at Pereira's title loss. Du Plessis believed that Pereira's fall from the 205-pound throne eliminated the possibility of a lucrative fight between the two champions, a match he had openly welcomed.
Pereira has taken to social media to respond to Ankalaev, stating, "Let’s go Ali (Abdelaziz). Chama," a quick but feisty remark directed towards Ankalaev's manager, signifying that he is indeed preparing for the upcoming challenges ahead, even while flying across different parts of the world.
As the athletes gear up for this monumental showdown, both camps seem to recognize the stakes involved, with Ankalaev looking to solidify his reign over the light heavyweight division and Pereira striving to reclaim his lost glory. Fans can expect a showdown filled with high-octane action, heart-stopping finishes, and perhaps, drama that comes from deeply rooted rivalries.
This rematch is not just about a title; it embodies the spirit of competition that drives the fighters and ignites the passion of fans across the globe. The excitement surrounding this anticipated clash continues to grow, ensuring that when these two warriors step back into the Octagon, the world will be watching.
As both fighters prepare for what promises to be a blockbuster rematch, the UFC's marketing team has much to work with in hyping up the fight. With the combination of past performances, controversies, and the genuine animosity brewing on both sides, this upcoming fight is already shaping up to be one of the highlights of the year.
