With just over a week to go before their highly anticipated rematch at UFC 320, the animosity between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev has reached a boiling point. The light heavyweight division’s top two fighters are set to clash on October 4, and the build-up has been dominated by a bold claim from Pereira, who has publicly dubbed Ankalaev a “crappy champion.” The heated trash talk stems from an alleged incident at the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas, where Pereira claimed the champion was actively trying to avoid him.
The tension between the two is a direct result of their first encounter at UFC 313. In a highly contentious decision, Ankalaev won by unanimous decision to take the light heavyweight title from Pereira. While the scorecards were official, many fans and analysts felt the fight was incredibly close, leaving an air of unfinished business. Now, with a chance to settle the score, Pereira is using every tool in his arsenal—including psychological warfare—to get a mental edge over the champion and ensure there’s no doubt about the outcome this time around.
The “Crappy Champion” Accusation: Mind Games or Reality?
Pereira’s main criticism of Ankalaev is focused on his character outside of the cage. In a viral interview, Pereira claimed that while he was at the UFC Performance Institute, someone from Ankalaev’s team was heard telling the champion it was “safe to come out” because Pereira had left. This led to a furious response from the challenger. “He thinks I’m going to run into him and start fighting. Do I look stupid, bro?” Pereira stated. He went on to call Ankalaev “a chump” and a “crappy champion,” arguing that a true champion should not be afraid of a simple face-to-face confrontation.
This kind of personal attack is a deliberate tactic. Ankalaev is known for his calm, stoic demeanour and disciplined style in the Octagon. By calling him a coward and a “crappy champion,” Pereira is attempting to break that composure and force an emotional, more aggressive response during the fight itself. The hope is that Ankalaev will abandon his calculated approach to prove a point, opening himself up to the kind of knockout power Pereira is famous for. As Ankalaev prepares to defend his title, the question remains whether these mind games will affect him or if he’ll use them as motivation to deliver a more decisive performance and silence his critics for good.
High Stakes for a Highly Anticipated Rematch
The stakes for this rematch at T-Mobile Arena could not be higher. For Alex Pereira, it’s a chance to reclaim his title and prove that the first loss was a fluke. He will need to solve the puzzle of Ankalaev’s pressure and wrestling to secure a decisive victory. A win here would not only restore his place atop the division but also solidify his legacy as one of the most dominant fighters of his era. For Ankalaev, the fight is a chance to prove his legitimacy as a champion. His victory at UFC 313 may have been on the scorecards, but a dominant performance in this rematch would remove all doubt and cement his status as the rightful king of the light heavyweights. As fans and analysts weigh in, the excitement for this showdown is palpable, with many expecting a more explosive and action-packed fight now that the rivalry is at a fever pitch.
Whether Pereira’s bravado will translate into victory or if Ankalaev’s controlled aggression will once again win the day is yet to be seen. But one thing is for sure: this is more than just a fight for a belt; it’s a fight for respect, honour, and a defining moment in both men’s careers.
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Fighters Involved | Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev |
| Event | UFC 320 |
| Fight Date | October 4, 2025 |
| Venue | T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada |
| Pereira’s Accusation | Claimed Ankalaev hid from him at the UFC Performance Institute |
| Pereira’s Critique | Called Ankalaev a ‘crappy champion’ for allegedly avoiding a confrontation |
| Previous Fight | Ankalaev won by unanimous decision in a controversial outcome at UFC 313 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What triggered Alex Pereira’s criticism of Magomed Ankalaev?
Pereira publicly criticised Ankalaev after alleging the champion hid from him at the UFC Performance Institute, calling him a “crappy champion” as a result. - When is the rematch between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev scheduled?
The highly anticipated rematch is set to happen on October 4, 2025, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas as the main event of UFC 320. - What was the outcome of their first fight?
Ankalaev won the first fight against Pereira by unanimous decision at UFC 313, a result that was widely considered controversial and led to an immediate rematch. - What are the stakes of this rematch?
For Pereira, it’s a chance to reclaim his light heavyweight title and prove his first loss was a fluke. For Ankalaev, it’s an opportunity to remove all doubt and cement his legacy as a legitimate champion.
