In anticipation of his rematch against Magomed Ankalaev, Alex Pereira remains unfazed by the ongoing trash talk from his opponent’s camp. The two fighters are set to face each other at UFC 320, aiming for the light heavyweight title that Pereira lost earlier in the year.
Preparations for UFC 320
Pereira’s preparations for the fight have been intense. His opponent’s coach, Sukhrab Magomedov, has asserted that Pereira lacks knockout power. However, Pereira dismisses these comments as mere distractions.
“It’s just talk,” Pereira stated during a recent press event. He reflected on previous performances, noting, “Even the ref said that in 30 years he’s never seen anything like it.” Pereira is focused on his own game plan and avoids analyzing Ankalaev’s strategies.
Building Tension
As the rematch approaches, tensions have escalated. The fighters almost became physical at the UFC Performance Institute last week, highlighting the animosity brewing between them. Despite this rivalry, Pereira emphasizes that this fight isn’t the pinnacle of his career.
Career Highlights
Pereira regards his victory over Israel Adesanya as the crowning achievement in his career, regardless of the outcome against Ankalaev.
- “Nothing compares to that win over Adesanya,” Pereira remarked.
- He criticized the notion that animosity is essential for promoting a fight, suggesting that real history and background matter more.
Potential Heavyweight Move
A victory at UFC 320 could mark a significant milestone for Pereira, positioning him alongside Randy Couture as a two-division champion with multiple title reigns. However, Pereira is contemplating a future in the heavyweight division.
“I really don’t know. We’ll have to see,” Pereira stated regarding a potential move. He acknowledged the challenges of maintaining weight at 205 pounds and hinted that his time in the light heavyweight division might be limited.
As Pereira gears up for his title shot, his focus remains clear. He is determined to reclaim his title and contemplate his future in the sport, one fight at a time.
