Alex Pereira expressed regret for not using a controversial 'Sao Paulo Slap' technique during his UFC 320 victory over Magomed Ankalaev, which he believed could have further humiliated his opponent. Despite winning with an 80-second knockout, Pereira felt the stoppage was premature and wished he had the chance to execute his planned move, inspired by Nate Diaz.
Daniel Cormier discussed Magomed Ankalaev's injury before UFC 320, suggesting it may not have changed the outcome of his quick loss to Alex Pereira, who fought with high intensity and motivation. Despite Ankalaev's injury, Cormier believes Pereira's aggressive approach was the decisive factor, and highlights Pereira's potential superfight with Jon Jones as a significant future matchup.
Magomed Ankalaev fought at less than full strength due to a broken rib sustained in training, which contributed to his quick loss to Alex Pereira at UFC 320. Despite his injury, Ankalaev's performance was hampered, and Pereira reclaimed the light heavyweight title. The fighters are now tied 1-1, and future rematch considerations are uncertain as Ankalaev recovers.
Alex Pereira re-entered the MMA pound-for-pound rankings at No. 7 after an impressive 80-second victory over Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320, bouncing back from a previous title loss. The rankings, compiled by a panel of experts, consider fighters' recent performances across major promotions, with Pereira's win solidifying his position among the elite.
Magomed Ankalaev's 14-fight unbeaten streak ended with a first-round TKO loss to Alex Pereira at UFC 320, but he remains optimistic and faithful, viewing the setback as a test from Allah. A potential trilogy fight is discussed, though Pereira is not currently interested, and Ankalaev may need to fight again to earn a rematch.
Magomed Ankalaev, after losing his light heavyweight title to Alex Pereira via knockout at UFC 320, released a statement expressing gratitude to supporters and emphasizing his resilience and faith, viewing the defeat as a test that will strengthen him in his career.
Alex Pereira delivered a stunning 80-second knockout of Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320, reclaiming the UFC light heavyweight title and solidifying his status as a top fighter with a remarkable comeback, earning widespread praise in the MMA community.
UFC 320 features a title rematch between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira, along with other key bouts including Merab Dvalishvili vs. Cory Sandhagen. The event takes place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with early prelims starting at 6 p.m. ET and the main card at 10 p.m. ET, available on ESPN+ PPV for $79.99.
At UFC 320 weigh-ins, Alex Pereira refused to break eye contact during the final staredown with Magomed Ankalaev, adding intensity to their rematch for the light heavyweight title, which is part of a high-profile fight card including other key bouts. The event marks a much-anticipated rematch after their previous fight was underwhelming, with both fighters claiming injuries affected their performance.
Alex Pereira responds to Tom Aspinall's criticism by emphasizing his rapid rise in MMA from kickboxing, his limited grappling experience, and the challenges of competing at the highest UFC level, especially against skilled wrestlers like Ankalaev, whom he faced earlier this year and lost to despite outstriking him on the feet.
Alexander Volkanovski predicts that Magomed Ankalaev will win his rematch against Alex Pereira at UFC 320, citing Ankalaev's ability to adapt and his wrestling-heavy approach, despite Pereira's striking power and potential for a knockout.
Magomed Ankalaev responds to Alex Pereira's accusations about a UFC Performance Institute incident, denying any hiding and emphasizing the personal stakes of their upcoming rematch at UFC 320, where he aims to prove the outcome of their first fight was not a fluke.
Alex Pereira is well-rested and healthy for his UFC 320 rematch against Magomed Ankalaev, after a seven-month break that allowed him to recover from previous fatigue and improve his performance. He acknowledges past mistakes and is confident in his preparation for the high-stakes fight, which is part of UFC's 2025 schedule.
Magomed Ankalaev accused Alex Pereira of 'greasing' during their first fight, sparking controversy and fan backlash ahead of their rematch at UFC 320, with ongoing tensions and accusations affecting the fighters' reputations.
Magomed Ankalaev's attempt to clarify that he personally manages his social media accounts and is responsible for his recent trash talk before UFC 320 has been met with skepticism from fans, who largely believe his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, is behind the posts. Despite Ankalaev's denial, the MMA community remains unconvinced, continuing to suspect Abdelaziz's involvement in the provocative messages.