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Dana White Teases Rematch Between Ankalaev and Pereira After UFC 313

Ankalaev and Pereira in an intense UFC fight scene.
Orlando Rodriguez
Orlando Rodriguez
Blogger, podcaster, wrestling fan (pro wrestling), mma follower, movie and tv addict, comic book reader and overall grown up nerd... semi grown up...

Magomed Ankalaev claimed the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship with a unanimous decision victory over Alex Pereira at UFC 313, held at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The fight, which saw Ankalaev disrupt Pereira’s striking game, has sparked discussions about a potential rematch, as UFC CEO Dana White hinted that it is likely to happen.

Key Takeaways

  • Magomed Ankalaev defeated Alex Pereira by unanimous decision at UFC 313.
  • Dana White suggested a rematch is "probably" next for both fighters.
  • Pereira’s previous dominance in the division raises questions about his future strategies.
  • Ankalaev extended his unbeaten streak to 14 fights with this victory.

Fight Overview

The main event of UFC 313 was marked by a tactical battle where Ankalaev effectively neutralized Pereira’s striking prowess. Despite some early success from Pereira, Ankalaev’s relentless pressure and clinch control ultimately led to his victory. White acknowledged that the fight did not unfold as he expected, noting a lack of action compared to what he anticipated.

Dana White’s Comments

During the post-fight press conference, Dana White expressed his surprise at the fight’s dynamics. He stated:

  • "It was not what I expected. I expected a lot more shooting, expected a lot more exchanges."
  • White confirmed he believed Ankalaev deserved the win, stating, "I wasn’t shocked when I heard the decision."
  • He also recognized Pereira’s status as a top fighter, suggesting that an immediate rematch makes sense given his previous accomplishments in the division.

Alex Pereira’s Response

Following the fight, Pereira chose not to attend the press conference but later addressed his fans on social media. He expressed gratitude for their support and reassured them of his resilience:

  • "I’m good. Gonna rest a bit. I’ll be back, like I’ve always done."
  • Pereira acknowledged the need for adjustments in a potential rematch, stating, "I’ll be back much better. You can count on it."

Future Implications

The potential rematch between Ankalaev and Pereira raises several questions:

  1. Will Pereira adjust his training and focus more on his fight strategy?
  2. Can Ankalaev maintain his winning streak against a more prepared Pereira?
  3. What impact will this fight have on the light heavyweight division?

Ankalaev, now the champion, has expressed confidence in his ability to face Pereira again, emphasizing that he hopes for a more engaging fight next time. He remarked, "I was confident… I kept on pressuring him."

Conclusion

As the dust settles from UFC 313, the MMA community eagerly anticipates the next steps for both fighters. With Dana White hinting at a rematch, fans are left wondering how Pereira will respond to this setback and whether Ankalaev can continue his reign as champion. The light heavyweight division remains as competitive as ever, and the potential for a rematch adds an exciting layer to the narrative.

Sources

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