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The countdown has begun for one of the most highly anticipated rematches in UFC history. On October 4, Alex Pereira will get his chance to reclaim the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship when he faces Magomed Ankalaev in the main event of UFC 320 in Las Vegas. The matchup comes nearly seven months after Ankalaev handed Pereira a surprising loss at UFC 313, ending the Brazilian's four-fight winning streak.
Now, UFC legend and former double champion Daniel Cormier has weighed in on what Pereira must do to turn the tables in the rematch — and reclaim his place atop the division.
Daniel Cormier: “Alex Pereira deserves the chance to right that wrong”
Speaking on Good Guy/Bad Guy, Cormier emphasized that the rematch is not only justified but essential.
“This is the fight that needs to happen,” Cormier said. “Pereira deserves the chance to try to right that wrong.”
Alex Pereira's loss to Magomed Ankalaev via unanimous decision left fans and analysts surprised, especially after the former kickboxer’s string of highlight-reel knockouts against names like Jiri Prochazka, Jamahal Hill, and Khalil Rountree. Despite being known for his striking prowess, Cormier believes Pereira showed underrated grappling skills in their first encounter — a factor that could be critical in the rematch.
The key to victory: Early respect and takedown defense
Daniel Cormier pointed out that Pereira exceeded expectations when it came to defending takedowns in their initial meeting.
“Alex wrestled much better than we expected him to [at UFC 313]. He defended takedowns much better than we expected him to,” Cormier noted.
However, he stressed that improvement alone won’t cut it. Success against a grappling-heavy fighter like Magomed Ankalaev will require a calculated approach from both Alex Pereira and his team, led by Plinio Cruz and Glover Teixeira.
“Now it’s up to them…to make it to where Alex can actually go get it done and not get pressed up against the Octagon,” Cormier said.
Perhaps the most crucial point Daniel Cormier made was about establishing dominance early in the fight:
“I think he needs to get some respect from him very early…to make Ankalaev take a few steps back,” he added.
The idea is simple — Pereira must use his striking power to force Magomed Ankalaev to reconsider engaging, thereby shifting the momentum early in the bout.
With UFC 320 just weeks away, fans are eager to see whether Alex Pereira can make the necessary adjustments to avenge his loss. Having not suffered defeat since April 2023 — when he was knocked out by Israel Adesanya — Pereira will be looking to silence the critics and regain his light heavyweight crown.
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