UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira explained the reason behind his defeat to Russian Magomed Ankalaev in their first fight.
Alex Pereira quoted by Sky Sports
Vengeance is never a good thing. It's kind of a poison. I told everyone I was not in a good condition last time, nobody believed it. I don't like to make excuses, but I've been saying I wasn't well that night (of the first fight), but tonight I'm very well.
On October 5 at UFC 320, Pereira won by technical knockout in the first round, reclaiming the championship.
The fighters first met in March 2025 at UFC 313, where Ankalaev won by unanimous decision. Ankalaev’s record stands at 20 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, with one no contest. Pereira has 13 wins and 3 losses.
