Alex Pereira is in good spirits after losing the UFC light heavyweight title, and plans to give new champ Magomed Ankalaev a better effort if they are to meet for a second time.
“Poatan” dropped a unanimous decision to Ankalaev in the main event of UFC 313 on Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. While it wasn’t a thrilling affair, Ankalaev executed a brilliant game plan, while Pereira couldn’t get out of first gear.
Following the loss, Pereira released a video statement on Instagram thanking his supporters, and also letting his fans know he’ll be back in better form in the rematch.
“Gonna make some adjustments for the rematch, and I’ll be back much better, you can count on it. Never give up on your dreams. Chama,” Pereira said.
Pereira put his title on the line for the fourth time in just an 11-month span, going 3-0 in 2024 with knockout wins over Jamahal Hill, Jiri Prochazka, and Khalil Rountree.
In the UFC 313 post-fight press conference, UFC CEO Dana White said a second meeting between Ankalaev and Pereira is “probably” next.
