Alex Pereira recently opened up about his mindset ahead of his rematch with Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320. He aims to regain the light heavyweight championship, which he lost a UFC 313.
Ankalaev executed a strong game plan during their first fight. He put Pereira in positions he was uncomfortable. Ankalaev maintained control against the fence and prevented ‘Poatan’ from implementing his striking heavy approach.
Ankalaev earned a unanimous decision win to capture the light heavyweight championship. His win marked the end of Pereira’s impressive reign, which saw him defend the title three times in just six months.
During a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Pereira revealed that he won’t let his emotions dictate his performance. ‘Poatan’ is focusing on the fight with a clear mindset rather than adding more pressure on himself.
“Even in past fight, people have said, ‘You’re going to avenge the loss that Glover [Teixeira] had,’ and all these things. In the end, it’s another fight and I’m looking at it with myself in mind first,” Pereira said via translator. “I’m going in there to win and it doesn’t matter, I’m fighting for myself in there and I want to do the best for myself.”
Alex Pereira Shares Honest Thoughts on Fighting Magomed Ankalaev
Pereira was also candid about his upcoming fight with Magomed Ankalaev. He acknowledged that the light heavyweight champion is a tough opponent and made no excuses for losing their previous bout.
‘Poatan’ emphasized that his preparation will be crucial if he hopes to regain the light heavyweight championship. Pereira plans to implement his own game plan and ensure he is in peak form for the fight.
“We’re going to have the opportunity to go again and we have a whole team together to make it happen,” Pereira told MMA Junkie. “It’s always going to be a tough fight. There are two guys who are well-prepared.”
He added:
“I’m going to do my best and I’m going to do everything I can to be feeling extra well and super well on that night, to be able to impose my rhythm and be able to impose my game plan and be able to come out with the win.”
Pereira Opens Up About His UFC Activity
Pereira also discussed his activity since joining the UFC. As a former two-division champion, he has been very active, often with short layoffs between fights.
Pereira has received praise for stepping in on short notice when needed. He made his UFC debut in November, 2021 and has averaged three fights per year since then. While ‘Poatan’ is unlikely to match that number this year, he will still have fought twice in 2025.
Speaking with MMA Junkie, Pereira admitted that perhaps competing so frequently might not have been ideal. Now 38, he acknowledged that he might take more time off between fights going forward.
“Looking back, maybe if I had planned things better, I wouldn’t have been as active as I was,” Pereira told MMA Junkie. “It’s really about opportunity [to remain active]. If something comes up, maybe I’ll take it, but I don’t think so.”
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