Mar 8, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Alex Pereira (red gloves) fights Magomed Ankalaev (blue gloves) during UFC 313 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

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UFC Analysis- What’s Next For Alex Pereira If He Loses To Magomed Ankalaev At UFC 320

Mar 8, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Alex Pereira (red gloves) fights Magomed Ankalaev (blue gloves) during UFC 313 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Alex Pereira’s career trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable since joining the UFC roster. The Brazilian striker went from two division kickboxing champion to two division UFC titleholder in record time. He captured both the middleweight and light heavyweight belts with his devastating knockout power. His rise through the ranks felt almost effortless, as he dismantled legends and prospects alike with the same thunderous left hook that made him famous in GLORY Kickboxing. Pereira became the face of the UFC during his championship reign. He headlined major events and drew massive crowds who came to witness his explosive finishing ability.

Alex Pereira LOSES to by DECISION Ankalaev #UFC313 #PereiraVsAnkalaev pic.twitter.com/A2M6cVmoED
— X Fights (@XKnockouts) March 9, 2025

However, every champion eventually faces adversity, and Pereira’s first real setback came against Magomed Ankalaev earlier this year at UFC 313. The Dagestani fighter managed to neutralize Pereira’s striking advantages through superior clinch work and relentless pressure, earning a unanimous decision victory that many didn’t see coming. That loss marked Pereira’s first defeat at light heavyweight. This also raised serious questions about his ability to adapt when opponents take him out of his comfort zone. Now, with their immediate rematch scheduled for UFC 320, the stakes couldn’t be higher for both men. Here, we evaluate what lies next for Alex Pereira if he wins, or loses to Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320.

Alex Pereira Winning A Close Decision Opens Door For Trilogy

If Pereira manages to reclaim his title through a narrow decision victory, the UFC would almost certainly book an immediate trilogy fight between these two elite competitors. Close championship fights naturally create demand for trilogy, especially when both fighters have legitimate claims to superiority. Pereira would need to show significant improvements in his takedown defense and ground game to convince people that he’s solved the puzzle that Ankalaev presented in their first encounter.

Both fighters will need to make adjustments from their initial meeting if they want to achieve different results. Pereira must work on his wrestling defense and learn to create more space when Ankalaev tries to clinch and take him down. His striking looked less dangerous when he was constantly worried about grappling exchanges. So finding ways to keep the fight standing will be crucial. Meanwhile, Ankalaev should focus on being more aggressive with his striking when he has opportunities. He seemed content to play it safe once he established grappling control in their first fight.

Alex Pereira’s Dominant Victory Creates Multiple Scenarios

A dominant performance by Pereira would completely reshape the light heavyweight landscape and give him several intriguing options for his future. If he scores a knockout or completely dominates Ankalaev over five rounds, he would immediately reestablish himself as the division’s undisputed king. This scenario could lead to title defenses against other top contenders like Jiri Prochazka. He has been patiently waiting for another championship opportunity after his previous wars with the former champion.

However, there’s also a very real possibility that Pereira might choose to retire on top if he recaptures the belt. The Brazilian has already achieved more than most fighters could ever dream of, and he’s reached an age (38) where walking away as champion might appeal to him more than continuing to take damage. If Pereira does decide to hang up his gloves after reclaiming gold, the UFC would likely book Ankalaev vs Prochazka for the vacant championship, giving both men a chance to claim the throne.

Another Loss For Alex Pereira Could Mean Career Crossroads

A second consecutive defeat to Ankalaev would put Pereira in a difficult position. This could signal the end of his remarkable UFC journey. At his age and with his accomplishments, another loss might convince him that retirement is the best option. The Brazilian has nothing left to prove and has already cemented his legacy as one of the most exciting fighters in UFC history. There will be nothing left to prove in the light heavyweight division. And going back to middleweight doesn’t seem to be an option. It must be noted that Pereira moved to light heavyweight after he was knocked out at middleweight by Israel Adesanya.

TOM ASPINALL HAS NOW RESPONDED TO ALEX PEREIRA

“🤝” pic.twitter.com/IQuXtGTq1F
— ACD MMA (@acdmma_) October 8, 2024

Alternatively, the UFC might try to salvage Pereira’s star power by moving him up to heavyweight for a big money fight. A matchup against the winner of Tom Aspinall vs Ciryl Gane would generate massive interest. This would give Pereira a fresh start in a new division where his striking power could be even more devastating. But, if he loses via KO/TKO, the chances of him fighting at heavyweight would be drastically reduced. And with it, the interest in that particular fight.

(Image Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie – Imagn Images)

Alex Pereira

Magomed Ankalaev

UFC 313

UFC 320

Zaid Quraishi

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I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!