Former light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has found himself in the crosshairs of a UFC Hall of Famer’s cautionary advice amid growing chatter about his potential rematch with Magomed Ankalaev. The two warriors collided in a highly anticipated clash at UFC 313 last month, where Ankalaev—widely regarded as Pereira’s toughest test to date—clinched a decisive victory to seize the light heavyweight crown. While whispers of Pereira’s underperformance and calls for an immediate rematch have dominated headlines, a UFC legend has stepped forward with a blunt message for the Brazilian striker.
With Ankalaev already expressing eagerness to run it back, the stakes couldn’t be higher—but not everyone believes history will favor “Poatan” this time.
Why Alex Pereira’s redemption path raises red flags
The warning comes from none other than Chael Sonnen, a seasoned voice in MMA known for his unfiltered takes. Sonnen recently dissected Pereira’s pursuit of a second shot at Magomed Ankalaev, arguing that the former champ’s first performance offers little hope for a different outcome.
Highlighting the one-sided nature of their initial bout, Sonnen emphasized that Ankalaev dominated four of five rounds, leaving Alex Pereira with scant evidence to justify an immediate rematch.
“There’s nothing within that first fight—whether illness, injury, or a combination—that suggests a different result next time,” Sonnen stated during an interview with Submission Radio.
He pointed out that while Pereira showcased improved takedown defense, the sluggish pace and lack of decisive moments from the Brazilian failed to convince analysts that adjustments alone could flip the script. Sonnen also raised a critical question: If Pereira learned lessons from the loss, why wouldn’t Ankalaev—a tactical mastermind—also evolve?
The Dagestani contender, after all, faced unexpected resistance in grounding Pereira. Sonnen theorized that Magomed Ankalaev’s ability to adapt could make him even more dangerous in a sequel.
“Ankalaev now knows where to tweak his approach,” he explained. “Once he gets Pereira down, it’s game over.”
Alex Pereira’s rapid rise to the light heavyweight throne—capturing the vacant belt against Jiri Prochazka in late 2023 and defending it three times in six months—initially painted him as an unstoppable force.
But Magomed Ankalaev’s calculated dismantling exposed gaps in Pereira’s arsenal, particularly in managing relentless grapplers. Sonnen’s critique underscores a harsh truth: Redemption isn’t guaranteed, even for a fan favorite.
As fight fans debate the merit of a rematch, one thing is clear—Alex Pereira’s legacy now hinges on defying the odds. But with legends like Sonnen sounding the alarm, the road back to glory looks steeper than ever.