JAKARTA Alex 'Poatan' Pereira will return to the Octagon on a big mission: reclaim the UFC heavyweight light belt that had escaped his hand. Seven months ago, Pereira had to admit the superiority of Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313. Now, on Saturday night 4 October at the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, the two are reunited in the main UFC 320 match.
The defeat to Ankalaev became one of the most surprising moments in the MMA Pereira's career. Prior to that, he set a brilliant record with nine wins from eleven appearances at the UFC, seven of which were via knockout. He even made history with three titles in 175 days, the fastest record in the history of promotion. The title Fighter of the Year 2024 fell into his hands.
But all of that disappeared in UFC 313. Ankalaev, known as a tough grappler, not only thwarted the threat of Pereira's knockout, but also managed to beat him in striking, something that rarely happened. Poatan was able to thwart 12 takedown attempts, but looked passive and less powerful in a duel that Ankalaev finally won through unanimous decisions.
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Ahead of this rematch, Pereira finally opened up about her performance which was considered strange in the first match. In an interview with CBS Sports, he admitted that he could only perform at about 40 percent of his best abilities. "To be honest, I was only about 40 percent in that fight, that night," Pereira said. And obviously this time there will be much more. If I only 50 percent, an additional 10 percent will already make a big difference. I will leave the Octagon without any doubt in anyone's eyes.
Even so, Pereira refused to explain in detail what really interfered with his condition at that time. "Facing defeat is not fun, but if I combine everything that happened to me and I'm not going to talk about it now I'm actually grateful to be still able to fight," he said. Of course I'm not happy to lose, but with my potential and my condition at that time, I was even surprised to be able to enter the Octagon.
This fight was also colored by drama outside the Octagon. Ankalaev had accused Pereira of using certain substances so that her skin was slippery and hard to grab. The accusation of greet was immediately dismissed casually by the former two UFC division champion. For me, [the accusation] is not a problem. I remain calm, said Pereira. I don't think he likes it because I've proven that he's not that good. I'm a striker and he's a grappler. He should be able to bring me down, but I show everyone that he's not as great as he talks about.
Pereira also emphasized that he does not hold personal hatred for his opponent. "For me, there is no difference about having personal problems with the opponent or not. I am always calm, normal. He is the one who looks nervous and afraid. He is more affected," he said, alluding to Ankalaev's attitude during a press conference.
For Pereira, UFC 320 may also determine her future. He has several times signaled about the possibility of moving up to heavyweight if his body becomes more difficult to hold back the 205 limit.
When I entered the UFC in the middle class, my focus was to become a champion. Then my body changed... When I moved to a heavyweight light, my focus remained on being a champion. If my body says it has to go up to heavyweight, my focus will also be the same: become a champion," he said.
With all the dramas, redeem stories, and historical potentials, UFC 320 is confirmed to be one of the biggest events of this year. For Pereira, victory is not only about the belt, but also the self-respect, reputation, and legacy she wants to leave in the UFC.
In addition to the hot rematch in the main party, UFC 320 also presents another duel that is no less exciting. In co-play events, the winner of the merab bantamweight Dvalishvili will face Cory Sandhagen. Dvalishvili came with an impressive record, including a win over Sean O'men and Umar Nurmagomedov. If able to beat Sandhagen, he will extend his winning streak in the bantamweight division. Sandhagen himself has long been predicted as a potential champion, and this fight is a golden opportunity to prove himself.
In the main support party, former light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka will face Khalil Rountree Jr. Prochazka previously lost twice to Pereira in the race for the belt, but still dangerous with his signature wild fighting style. Rountree is also not an easy opponent. He came with a record of six wins from the last seven matches, four of which were through brutal knockouts.
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