“Uncrowned King Already Hunting”: Pereira Seeks Immediate Rematch With Ankalaev After UFC 313 Upset
The dust has barely settled on the UFC 313 octagon, but “Poatan” isn’t taking his loss lying down. In what might be the fastest championship rematch campaign in recent memory, Alex Pereira is already gunning for Magomed Ankalaev after surrendering his light heavyweight title in Saturday night’s main event.
I’ve covered countless title fights in my career, but rarely have I seen a dethroned champion so immediately, so vocally ready to run it back.
The Fall of a Two-Division King
Just hours after Ankalaev’s fourth-round TKO victory shocked the MMA world, Pereira took to social media with a simple yet powerful message that has fans buzzing: he wants his belt back, and he wants it now.
“Congratulations champion,” Pereira wrote on Instagram, addressing Ankalaev directly. “I hope to see you again soon.”
What makes this situation particularly fascinating is the timing. Most dethroned champions disappear from public view to lick their wounds. Not Pereira. The Brazilian knockout artist seems completely unfazed by losing the light heavyweight crown he claimed from Jiřà Procházka less than a year ago.
A Fight That Rewrote the Odds
Let’s be honest – many of us (myself included) didn’t see this coming. Pereira entered as the betting favorite with his terrifying highlight reel of finishes across two weight classes. The man had seemingly unlocked the cheat code to MMA success, transforming from a kickboxer to a two-division UFC champion in record time.
But Ankalaev had other plans. The Dagestani fighter’s patience, wrestling prowess, and tactical brilliance gradually wore down Pereira before securing the fourth-round stoppage that silenced the Las Vegas crowd.
Insert image of Ankalaev’s victory celebration at UFC 313 here
The Path to an Immediate Rematch
You might be wondering: does Pereira deserve an immediate rematch? In today’s UFC landscape, it’s complicated. The promotion typically reserves automatic rematches for long-reigning champions or controversial decisions. This was neither – Ankalaev’s victory was definitive.
However, Pereira brings something few fighters can match: star power. His kickboxing rivalry with Israel Adesanya, his thunderous knockouts, and his remarkable two-division success have made him one of the UFC’s most marketable assets.
As one UFC executive once told me off the record: “Titles matter, but what really matters is who moves the needle.” And Pereira unquestionably moves the needle.
| Argument For Rematch | Argument Against Rematch |
|---|---|
| Pereira’s star power and PPV drawing ability | Clear, definitive loss with no controversy |
| Short championship reign deserves another chance | Other contenders (Jamahal Hill, Jiřà Procházka) waiting |
| Stylistic matchup could produce different result | UFC typically prefers former champions win a fight before title shot |
What Makes This Rivalry Intriguing
The brewing Pereira-Ankalaev rivalry has all the elements of a classic MMA saga. The striker versus grappler dynamic. The charismatic Brazilian against the stoic Russian. The former champion desperate to reclaim his throne versus the new king eager to cement his legacy.
And honestly, isn’t that what makes this sport so captivating? The human drama of combat at its highest level?
We’ve seen Pereira adapt and overcome before. Remember how he adjusted to defeat Israel Adesanya in their rematch? The question now becomes whether he can make similar tactical improvements against Ankalaev’s completely different skill set.
What’s Next for the Light Heavyweight Division?
While Pereira campaigns for his immediate rematch, the 205-pound division suddenly looks more interesting than it has in years. Jamahal Hill was promised a title shot before injury derailed his plans. Jiřà Procházka remains in the mix. And what about fast-rising contenders like Aleksandar Rakić?
The UFC matchmakers face an intriguing decision: cash in on the immediate rematch or build Ankalaev’s reign with a different challenger first.
One thing’s certain – Pereira’s quick call for a rematch has already generated more buzz than most fighters create in an entire career. Whether the UFC grants his wish or makes him wait, “Poatan” remains at the center of the MMA world.
The Fan Reaction
Social media has been ablaze with reactions to both the fight and Pereira’s rematch request. The MMA community seems split – some praise Pereira’s fighting spirit, while others believe Ankalaev deserves to face a fresh challenger.
What do you think? Does Pereira deserve an immediate rematch? Or should he have to earn his way back to a title shot?
As this saga continues to unfold, I’ll be bringing you all the latest developments. The 205-pound division hasn’t been this exciting in years, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Until then, keep those hands up and chins down.
Source: UFC 313 post-fight coverage and Alex Pereira’s social media accounts