Alex Pereira is gearing up for his shot at redemption, and he is not holding back. The former two-division champion will step inside the Octagon against Magomed Ankalaev on October 4 at UFC 320 in Las Vegas, a rematch that has quickly become one of the most anticipated fights of the year.
The animosity between the two fighters boiled over this week at the UFC Performance Institute, where Pereira and Ankalaev exchanged heated words despite a language barrier. Using a translation app to hurl insults at one another, both men set the stage for a volatile fight week.
Alex Pereira made his intentions crystal clear to TMZ.
The Weight of UFC 313
Their first meeting at UFC 313 saw Ankalaev claim the light heavyweight crown by unanimous decision. Despite stuffing all 12 of the Dagestani’s takedown attempts, Pereira looked uncharacteristically hesitant on the feet.
Later reports suggested the Brazilian was far from his best. Joe Rogan revealed that Pereira fought with a broken hand and norovirus, while others pointed to his grueling schedule of four fights in quick succession.
Speaking with CBS Sports’ Brian Campbell, Pereira admitted he was operating at “about 40%” in that bout. He added, “If I’m more like 50%, that 10% is going to make such a big difference, it’s gonna be no doubt for everybody.”
The UFC PI Confrontation
Tensions spiked when Pereira and Ankalaev crossed paths at the UFC Performance Institute. According to MMA Fighting, the two teams were sharing the same training space, which escalated into a face-to-face standoff.
Pereira later posted the clip on Instagram with a chilling six-word message: “I’ll slap him on October 4th.”
The confrontation ended without physical blows, but the war of words left a mark. Pereira told Ankalaev directly, “We’re professionals. I respect you. But on Oct. 4, I will hit you. I will slap your face.”
Ankalaev Fires Back
Magomed Ankalaev, who has made a name for himself as one of the toughest competitors in the light heavyweight division, did not take kindly to Pereira’s claims. Speaking with MMA Junkie, the champion said his respect for Pereira had diminished.
Up until recently, I had respect for him as a fighter and as a person. No longer. Trash talk is one thing, but when you lie to people and say, ‘I saw him, and he hid,’ I don’t respect people like that
He insisted that Pereira fabricated the story, stressing that there was no hiding during their PI encounter. For the Dagestani, it was a matter of principle as much as pride.
Alex Pereira’s Confidence at an All-Time High
Despite the verbal warfare, Pereira remains focused on the fight itself. He insists he has healed from lingering injuries and has had the proper time to train.
I’m at my greatest moment right now. I had some time to train and heal some injuries and take care of some stuff. And I think it’s going to be a war
His approach is measured, even as emotions run high. “In the end, we have to really focus on what it is that we got to do. And we can’t let those things affect us,” Pereira noted.
What’s at Stake at UFC 320
The rematch is more than just a title fight, it is a test of pride and legacy. For Alex Pereira, it is a chance to prove that his reign at light heavyweight was cut short by circumstance, not skill. For Ankalaev, it is about solidifying his dominance in a division brimming with contenders like Jiri Prochazka and Jan Blachowicz.
With UFC 320 just days away at T-Mobile Arena, the rivalry has already provided fans with fireworks. The only question left is whether Pereira can back up his fiery words, or if Ankalaev will extend his championship run.
Also read, Alex Pereira to Star as Villain in A24’s Onslaught Ahead of UFC 320 Rematch
