Magomed Ankalaev claims Alex Pereira landed a lucky punch in their rematch because of a hidden injury, according to bjpenn.
Magomed Ankalaev has opened up about his rivalry with Alex Pereira, claiming that the former UFC light heavyweight champion only won their rematch due to a lucky punch, according to information published by bjpenn.
The two fighters first met in March 2025, where Ankalaev secured a unanimous decision victory to capture the UFC light heavyweight title after a cautious performance from Pereira. However, the rematch later that year ended very differently when Pereira secured a first-round TKO.
Speaking recently to Bostanov MMA, Ankalaev made it clear that his rivalry with the Brazilian star is far from over, suggesting that his opponent capitalized on a physical disadvantage during their second encounter.
Magomed Ankalaev alleges Alex Pereira knew about injury
Ankalaev believes that his opponent was fully aware of a physical issue heading into the second fight. No fighter had ever rushed at him with such intense pressure before, leading him to suspect a leak regarding his medical condition.
If his rival had not known about the physical setback, the outcome of the championship bout might have looked entirely different. The sudden aggression caught the champion off guard, resulting in a swift first-round finish for Pereira.
Alex Pereira heavyweight ambitions and future matches
While a trilogy bout remains a talking point in the mixed martial arts community, future matchups depend heavily on upcoming performances inside the Octagon. Pereira recently shifted his focus to the heavyweight division, facing Ciryl Gane in June before booking a UFC 335 clash against Sergei Pavlovich.
This upcoming heavyweight test serves as a crucial moment for Pereira to prove his elite capabilities against larger fighters. Meanwhile, Ankalaev successfully rebounded from his loss by defeating late replacement Bogdan Guskov at the UFC Abu Dhabi event in July.
UFC light heavyweight title history and rivalry status
The history between these two athletes has captivated fans, alternating between Ankalaev's tactical pressure and Pereira's explosive finishing power. The initial title win showcased Ankalaev's ability to control the pace over five rounds.
Despite the decisive nature of the second-fight knockout, Ankalaev insists that the score remains unsettled. Whether the organization schedules a trilogy fight depends on weight class movements and future results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Magomed Ankalaev beat Alex Pereira in their first fight?
Yes, Magomed Ankalaev defeated Alex Pereira by unanimous decision in March 2025 to capture the UFC light heavyweight title.
Why does Magomed Ankalaev call the rematch loss a lucky punch?
Magomed Ankalaev claims Alex Pereira rushed him because he knew about an existing injury, leading to a quick first-round TKO.
What is Alex Pereira fighting next in the UFC?
Alex Pereira is scheduled for a UFC 335 heavyweight clash against Sergei Pavlovich after previously facing Ciryl Gane.
How did Magomed Ankalaev bounce back from his loss?
Magomed Ankalaev rebounded by securing a finish against late replacement Bogdan Guskov in the UFC Abu Dhabi headliner.
