Sean Strickland believes Alex Pereira still has a strong chance in a potential rematch against UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Magomed Ankalaev.
Pereira, one of the UFC`s major stars, dropped in the pound-for-pound rankings after losing his light heavyweight title to Ankalaev at UFC 313 earlier this year.
Ankalaev held his own against Pereira and, despite failing in all 12 takedown attempts, managed to outstrike the champion on their feet.
After five rounds, Ankalaev became the new champion by unanimous decision. Pereira was reportedly offered an immediate rematch at UFC 317, but the main event slot was later taken by Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira.
Pereira, nicknamed `Poatan,` might be taking a well-deserved break, having defended his title four times in 11 months and being highly active even before that period.
Sean Strickland, a former opponent, believes Pereira stands a good chance in a potential rematch against Ankalaev, provided he makes the necessary adjustments.
Sean Strickland believes Alex Pereira has a ‘great chance’ against Magomed Ankalaev
Current champion Ankalaev is on a 14-fight unbeaten run, with only one loss in his 24-fight career. The loss to Ankalaev was Pereira`s first at light heavyweight and second overall in the UFC; his first UFC defeat was a knockout loss to rival Israel Adesanya at middleweight.
“Magomed Ankalaev is just so damn good,” Strickland commented to Red Corner MMA.
“I think Alex has a great chance of beating him in the rematch,” Strickland stated. “I think Alex pushes himself too hard. How many title defenses did he have? He was going up and down weight classes.”
Pereira had five title defenses in two years, three of which were successful.
Sean Strickland suggests Alex Pereira should ‘take a step back’ and reduce travel
Even though he`s not the current champion, Brazil`s Pereira is a globally recognized UFC star, known for his rapid ascent and knockout victories.
“Alex is a superstar,” Strickland noted.
“He can’t leave his house without people recognizing him, wanting pictures,” Strickland described.
“That kind of recognition takes a toll mentally,” Strickland added about Pereira’s fame.
“So I believe if Alex just takes a step back, clears his head, comes back fresh, and stops traveling all over the world, he has a legitimate chance of defeating [Ankalaev],” Strickland concluded.
Pereira`s preparation for UFC 313 was reportedly unusual, with some fighters, including Henry Cejudo, suggesting his lifestyle before the Ankalaev bout was a factor in the loss.
Gareth Pendleton