Magomed Ankalaev Promises More Dominant Performance in Pereira Rematch

UFC light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev is aiming to remove all doubt when he defends his title against Alex Pereira in their highly anticipated rematch at UFC 320 on Oct. 4 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Ankalaev (21-1-1 MMA, 12-1-1 UFC) first claimed the belt by defeating Pereira (12-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) via unanimous decision at UFC 313 in March. While Pereira has sought immediate redemption, Ankalaev insists history is on his side when it comes to second meetings.

Confident in Rematch History

“I think the rematch will be much easier than the first fight because statistics always show that fighting me in a rematch is very dangerous,” Ankalaev told Ushatayka (via Championship Rounds). “I’ll do whatever it takes to dominate. If I need to wrestle, I’ll wrestle. If I need to strike, I’ll strike. I don’t think we’ll have problems anywhere.”

Having already fought rematches with Johnny Walker and Ion Cutelaba both of which ended more decisively the second time Ankalaev believes Pereira will suffer the same fate. He emphasized that he wants Pereira fully prepared, leaving no room for excuses:

“I want him to come into this fight 100 percent so there are no questions about the outcome.”