Alex Pereira Ranks His Favorite UFC Fights & Compares Ankalaev Rematch

Alex Pereira has quickly built a reputation for engaging in memorable bouts within his relatively brief UFC career. This Saturday, the UFC returns to Las Vegas for UFC 320, featuring a highly anticipated light heavyweight title rematch between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira.

Their initial encounter at UFC 313 earlier this year saw Ankalaev achieve a significant upset, outstriking the Brazilian for five rounds. While a degree of mutual respect initially existed, the lead-up to their rematch has intensified their rivalry, culminating in a tense confrontation at the UFC Performance Institute.

Pereira Details His Favorite UFC Fight and Explains Why It Differs from Ankalaev Rematch

Despite only three years in the UFC, `Poatan` has already participated in numerous classic fights and historic rivalries. Yet, none eclipse his legendary feud with Israel Adesanya, widely considered among the most iconic rivalries in combat sports.

Pereira entered the UFC in 2022, carrying a rich history with then-middleweight champion Israel Adesanya. Following a rapid ascent with just a few victories, he secured a title shot against `The Last Stylebender,` marking their third overall meeting, including their kickboxing encounters. Pereira famously clinched a dramatic fifth-round knockout victory over Adesanya, overcoming earlier rounds where he had been trailing.

Ahead of his upcoming rematch with Ankalaev, Pereira elaborated on why his victory over Adesanya remains his favorite fight and how that rivalry contrasts with his current one.

“Nothing compares to that win over Adesanya,” Pereira stated during a UFC 320 pre-fight press conference. “The entire history from kickboxing, everything I experienced – many believe fight promotion simply involves talking trash and fostering animosity, but that`s not the essence. True rivalries require history and a deep background, which is why [Ankalaev] is approaching this entirely incorrectly.”

Pereira Still Considering a Move Up to Heavyweight

The immense scale of Pereira`s rivalry with Adesanya stemmed from both fighters` undisputed star power within the sport. Ankalaev, however, does not command the same level of recognition. Indeed, a former UFC heavyweight champion even suggested that Ankalaev`s championship reign is `detrimental to the UFC`s appeal.`

Throughout his tenure as the light heavyweight champion, Pereira frequently hinted at a potential move to the heavyweight division. On the eve of his UFC 320 bout, he reiterated his belief that a future transition to heavyweight is all but certain.