Alex Pereira CALLS OUT ‘Ordinary Guy’ Magomed Ankalaev Vows to Smash Him at UFC 313
After months of speculation, Alex Pereira is set to defend his UFC light heavyweight title against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 on March 8 at T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas. While Ankalaev (20-1-1 MMA, 11-1-1 UFC) repeatedly claimed Pereira (12-2 MMA, 9-1 UFC) was dodging him, “Poatan” shuts down that narrative—stating that he personally requested the fight.
“I did say that I wanted to take a break, but I started training again. I started feeling good,” Pereira told ESPN through an interpreter. “I started seeing my evolution. So I called my managers right away and said, ‘I want to fight. I want to fight in March. I want to fight Ankalaev.’”
Despite being passed over for title fights before, Ankalaev now gets his shot at gold—though Pereira refuses to see him as anything special.
Pereira’s View on Ankalaev: ‘Just an Ordinary Guy’
Oddsmakers have Ankalaev as a slight favorite, but Pereira remains unfazed. The Brazilian powerhouse, known for his lethal striking and devastating knockout power, isn’t worried about the hype surrounding his opponent.
“He’s as dangerous as any other fighter I’ve fought,” Pereira said. “Looking at him, the way that he fights, he’s an ordinary guy. Of course, he has his weapons, and he has his dangers, but I’ve been training hard. I’ve evolved a lot, and I’m ready for him.”
Having defended his title three times in six months in 2024, Pereira is confident that his experience under pressure will make the difference.
Jiri Prochazka Wants Revenge—Pereira Is Ready
After suffering a brutal knockout loss to Pereira at UFC 303, Jiri Prochazka bounced back in spectacular fashion—knocking out Jamahal Hill at UFC 311. Now, the Czech warrior (31-5-1 MMA, 5-2 UFC) is demanding a trilogy fight, despite losing twice to Pereira.
Pereira welcomes the challenge.
“I’m ready to fight anybody. It doesn’t matter who it is,” Pereira stated. “Right now, it’s Ankalaev’s time. I’m going to fight Ankalaev. But after this fight, if everything goes well, Jiri gets his opportunity. That’s what he said that he wants, and he’s going to have it.”
UFC 313: A Defining Night for Pereira’s Legacy
Pereira isn’t just looking to defend his belt—he’s looking to cement himself as the most dominant light heavyweight in UFC history. With Ankalaev waiting and Prochazka potentially next, the stakes have never been higher.
Can Pereira Become the UFC’s Next Double Champion?
With his dominance at light heavyweight, many fans are speculating about Alex Pereira’s next big move—a potential jump to heavyweight. The Brazilian knockout artist has already hinted at his interest in challenging the division’s elite, and a victory over Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 could pave the way for a historic title run.
If Pereira defeats Ankalaev and Prochazka, could we see him target Jon Jones or Tom Aspinall next? A two-division reign would elevate “Poatan” into legendary status!
Pereira’s Knockout Power: The Ultimate Equalizer
No matter the opponent, Alex Pereira’s power is a game-changer. One precise strike can end the fight in seconds, making him one of the most feared strikers in MMA. Can Ankalaev survive Pereira’s devastating left hook, or will he fall like the rest?
