Ankalaev’s Champion Mindset: Willing to Grant Pereira Rematch If He Claims UFC Gold at 313
In the high-stakes world of UFC, few fighters bring the calculated confidence of Magomed Ankalaev. As the Dagestani powerhouse prepares for his title shot against Alex Pereira at UFC 313, he’s already thinking one step ahead—displaying the mindset of a champion before the belt ever touches his waist.
What makes this particularly interesting? Ankalaev’s already making promises about what happens after he wins.
The Rematch Specialist Has Spoken
I’ve been following Ankalaev’s career closely, and one thing stands out—this man understands the rematch game better than most. Having navigated the murky waters of running it back with opponents before, Ankalaev seems completely unfazed by the prospect of facing Pereira twice.
“If I beat Pereira and become champion, I have no problem giving him an immediate rematch,” Ankalaev told reporters through his interpreter at a recent media day. “I’m no stranger to rematches in my career.”
This isn’t just talk—Ankalaev has backed this up with action. Remember his journey with Jan Blachowicz? From a controversial draw to a dominant victory, Ankalaev has proven he gets stronger in second meetings.
Why Ankalaev’s Confidence Should Worry Pereira Fans
What strikes me most about Ankalaev’s recent statements isn’t just the willingness to grant a rematch—it’s the absolute certainty with which he discusses becoming champion. There’s no “if” in his mind, only “when.”
Let’s break down why this confidence is justified:
- Ankalaev is riding a 12-fight unbeaten streak (11 wins, 1 draw)
- His wrestling and ground game present a stylistic nightmare for striker Pereira
- He’s shown remarkable improvement in each UFC appearance
- His only UFC loss came in the final second of a fight he was winning
The Chess Match at UFC 313
When these two finally clash at UFC 313, we’re looking at a classic striker vs. grappler matchup—but with elite-level twists on both sides.
Pereira brings his devastating knockout power and surprising takedown defense, while Ankalaev counters with technical striking that sets up his dominant wrestling. It’s like watching a high-stakes chess match where every move could end in checkmate.
| Fighter | Strengths | Path to Victory |
|---|---|---|
| Magomed Ankalaev | Wrestling, Ground Control, Technical Striking | Takedowns, Ground Control, Decision or Late TKO |
| Alex Pereira | Knockout Power, Improved TDD, Counterstriking | Keep Distance, Land Power Shots, Early KO |
The Mental Warfare Has Begun
You can’t ignore the psychological element here. By publicly offering a rematch before they’ve even fought, Ankalaev is subtly declaring his superiority. It’s like telling Pereira, “I’m so confident I’ll beat you that I’m already planning our second fight.”
That kind of mental warfare can get under an opponent’s skin—even one as seemingly unflappable as “Poatan.”
What This Means for the Light Heavyweight Division
The 205-pound weight class has been in flux since Jon Jones vacated the title. With Pereira currently holding the belt and Ankalaev positioned as the technical favorite among many insiders, we might be witnessing the beginning of a rivalry that defines the division for years.
Should Ankalaev win and grant the rematch, it could lead to:
- A potential trilogy if they split their first two meetings
- Other contenders like Jamahal Hill and Jiri Prochazka waiting even longer for title shots
- A more technically sound champion reshaping the division’s fighting style
Why UFC Fans Should Be Excited
Listen, I’ve seen a lot of title fights come and go, but there’s something special brewing here. When a challenger speaks with this level of certainty—and backs it up with the skills Ankalaev possesses—you know you’re in for something memorable.
Whether you’re Team Ankalaev or Team Pereira, UFC 313 is shaping up to be one of those cards you’ll want to tell people you watched live. The confidence, the skills, the stakes—it’s what makes MMA the most exciting sport on the planet.
The Bottom Line
Magomed Ankalaev isn’t just challenging for the UFC light heavyweight title—he’s already thinking and speaking like a champion. His willingness to grant Alex Pereira an immediate rematch shows not only respect for his opponent but supreme confidence in his own abilities.
Will his actions match his words when the octagon door closes at UFC 313? If history is any indication, betting against Ankalaev might be a losing proposition—just ask his last eleven opponents.
What do you think about Ankalaev’s chances against Pereira? Do you believe he’ll make good on his promise to become champion? Drop your predictions in the comments below!