After losing the UFC Light-Heavyweight title to Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313, Alex Pereira is set to receive an immediate opportunity to reclaim the title. The rematch between Pereira and Ankalaev might be announced soon, and the fight could take place later in the year. The first encounter appealed to the of intrigue of fight fans worldwide but considering the way how the contest panned out, the rematch could have a reduced traction. To put further ice on the cold, former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker thinks the second fight would largely differ from the first one.
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Robert Whittaker On Ankalaev vs Pereira 2
According to Whittaker, Alex Pereira would be beaten even more convincingly in the second show against Magomed Ankalaev. The Kiwi fighter states that the hype about Pereira's power has unfortunately ceased and the Russian would enter with even more belief in the second fight, having beaten him in the first.
“I think the hype and confidence train that Pereira had, that if he touches you, you’re going to go out sort of vibe, is now moot-ish because Ankalaev didn’t die,” Whittaker said on the MMArcade podcast.
“Like, he didn’t go to sleep when Alex punched him. I think it gave him so much confidence that it’s almost lent itself to why he’s asking for that rematch straight away.
“He’s like, all the boogeyman vibes, all the mysteries and uncertainties are now gone.
“I can beat him. He is very beatable, he is human, like anybody else.
“I honestly think Ankalaev does better. I think it’s not as close as it just was.
“I don’t see the second fight going any differently.”
Thus, Whittaker holds no doubts about how the second fight between the light heavyweights will culminate. Coming into UFC 313, Alex Pereira entered as the champion and was significantly favoured by the odds to retain the title. However, Pereira exhibited a measured approach and remained defensive in the majority of the five rounds. Magomed Ankalaev was also cautious, but he picked his moments in between to eventually emerge victorious.