Alex Pereira has been given a decent shot to beat UFC champ Magomed Ankalaev.
The UFC Light Heavyweight title changed hands earlier this year when Pereira lost to Ankalaev in the main event of UFC 313.
Magomed Ankalaev’s unanimous decision victory marked an unceremonious end for Pereira’s legendary title reign, one that saw the Brazilian defend his belt four times in 11 months.
Alex Pereira will likely meet Ankalaev in an immediate title rematch later this year, attempting to exact revenge on the second UFC fighter to beat him.
Former middleweight champion Sean Strickland believes Pereira has a ‘legitimate shot’ of winning back the title as does Pereira’s greatest rival Israel Adesanya, the only man to KO Pereira in the UFC.
Israel Adesanya says Alex Pereira ‘can get it done’ in Magomed Ankalaev rematch
Looking at a potential rematch between Pereira and Ankalaev, Adesanya says he couldn’t be happier for ‘Poatan’ and all that he’s accomplished in such a short time in the UFC.
“I’m so proud of the guy, what he’s done,” Adesanya said of Pereira on FREESTYLEBENDER.
“It’s like I created a monster,” Adesanya recalled how he’s responsible for Pereira entering the UFC.
“He showed why he is who he is across two weight classes—I can’t wait to see the next fight with him and Ankalaev again.
“I think it’ll be another hard one, but I think [Pereira] can get it done,” Adesanya added.
“Because it wasn’t a complete washout for that [first] fight [and] he’s exponentially getting better as well.”
While Pereira was outstruck by Ankalaev on the feet, Pereira did defend all 12 of Ankalaev’s takedown attempts at UFC 313.
UFC legend Don Frye advises Alex Pereira to take time off
There is no doubt Pereira was one of the most active champions in UFC history, having defended the belt three times last year.
Following his title loss in March, Pereira could be headed for a much-needed break after allegedly declining an immediate rematch with Ankalaev at UFC 317 on June 28th.
UFC Hall of Famer Don Frye hopes for Pereira’s sake he doesn’t come off the couch too soon.
“If you’re hurt, take the time off and heal up,” Frye said of Pereira’s current situation.
“I never did. I always, I just popped the pills and kept going, fighting through it.
“That ended up making my career take a s—.
“Come to find out the promoter don’t give a damn,” Frye continued.
“They don’t give a damn about you. I haven’t got one Christmas card or birthday card from any promoter ever and I made them all a lot of f—— money.
“I died in the hospital a couple of times, and nobody ever called me up and said, how you doing? I hope you’re better…”