At UFC 313, Alex Pereira faced off against Magomed Ankalaev for the light heavyweight title. It was an intense match, with Ankalaev consistently applying pressure. In the second round, he landed a powerful combination that shifted the momentum.
After a close contest, the judges awarded Ankalaev a unanimous decision victory. This win extended his unbeaten streak to 14 fights, placing him just behind Jon Jones and Islam Makhachev for the longest active unbeaten streak in the UFC.
Following the fight, UFC President Dana White suggested a potential rematch between the two fighters. Meanwhile, former UFC champion Henry Cejudo weighed in on Pereira’s performance, attributing his loss partly to his lifestyle. Cejudo pointed out that Pereira seemed to be struggling with the demands of travel and other distractions. He noted, “Pereira looked thicker in the face and a bit bulkier, which might have affected his performance.”
Cejudo praised Ankalaev’s ability to remain focused during the match, stating that he did not fall for many of Pereira’s tactics. He also mentioned that Pereira has historically had difficulty against southpaw fighters. Cejudo commended Ankalaev’s strategy, particularly how he effectively targeted Pereira’s legs.
Beyond the fighting circle, Pereira’s ex-girlfriend, Merle Christine, also shared her thoughts on his title loss. In a video, she acknowledged Ankalaev as the new champion, emphasizing that he deserved credit for his performance. She dismissed claims of robbery in the judging, insisting that Ankalaev’s victory was well-earned.
Christine’s comments highlighted that fans should recognize the skills of the fighters, regardless of personal preferences about their styles. She added, “Let’s appreciate the hard work that got him this title.”
In the world of mixed martial arts, every match tells a story. UFC 313 was no exception, leaving fans eager for what comes next for both Ankalaev and Pereira.
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