Prediction: Magomed Ankalaev via Decision
This rematch between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev really doesn’t need some brand-new deep dive because the reality is nothing is going to change. Pereira is who he is: one of the most dangerous strikers in the sport, capable of shutting the lights out early if he finds his moment. But when they fought last time, Ankalaev went into Pereira’s world and beat him at his own game. He showed he was the sharper, more complete striker, and that’s not suddenly flipping in the rematch.
Pereira’s path here is as narrow as it gets. He needs that early knockout. And judging from his training footage, that’s exactly what he’s banking on. But that kind of all-or-nothing approach doesn’t work well against someone like Ankalaev, who is the opposite of reckless. Ankalaev is patient, calculated, and has elite fight IQ. He doesn’t just run into danger, he forces you to make mistakes while staying defensively sharp. His vision in the cage is special—he sees shots coming, counters effectively, and never wastes energy.
On top of that, Ankalaev is faster, has smoother footwork, and can control distance better than Pereira. And let’s not forget—he still has the grappling ace up his sleeve if he ever decides to lean on it. Pereira doesn’t have that luxury. He’s got one lane, and Ankalaev has multiple. That was clear in the first fight, and it’ll be the exact same story this time.