Pereira issued a preemptive warning before striking back at Ankalayev
In the highly anticipated UFC 320 main event on October 5, 2025, Alex Pereira will face Magomed Ankalaev in a rematch for the UFC light heavyweight championship title[1]. The first fight, held at UFC 313, saw Ankalaev secure a unanimous decision victory over Pereira[2].
Since then, Pereira has been working diligently to improve his grappling and jiu-jitsu skills, recognising the need to counter Ankalaev's wrestling and takedown abilities[5]. This shift in focus has not gone unnoticed, with Gilbert Burns commenting on Pereira's progress, particularly his confidence in his guillotine and back defense[3].
Pereira has been training intensively with former UFC champion Glover Teixeira for this rematch[4]. If he can demonstrate improved jiu-jitsu and grappling defense, he might mitigate Ankalaev's strengths and set up striking opportunities. However, if Pereira becomes more aggressive in striking, it might open opportunities for Ankalaev to execute takedowns and exploit ground control[5].
Ankalaev's wrestling coach may find value in Pereira's open fighting style, as pointed out by Giuseppe de Natsi, a Brazilian expert[6]. In their first encounter, Ankalaev noticed Pereira's low hand during warm-up and executed a knockout strike[7]. De Natsi warned Pereira about the risks of being too open against Ankalaev[6].
Before losing to Ankalaev, Pereira successfully defended his light heavyweight title three times[8]. He is now aiming to reclaim the title in the rematch and end Ankalaev's unbeaten streak of 13 fights[1]. Gilbert Burns has expressed approval of Pereira's progress in jiu-jitsu, which could prove crucial in the upcoming rematch[3].
The rematch between Pereira and Ankalaev is set to be a thrilling affair, with both fighters determined to emerge victorious. The focus will be on Pereira's improved grappling and jiu-jitsu skills, and Ankalaev's takedown game, as they vie for the UFC light heavyweight championship title.
[1] MMA Junkie (2025). UFC 320: Pereira vs. Ankalaev set for Oct. 5 main event. Retrieved from https://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2025/09/ufc-320-pereira-vs-ankalaev-set-for-oct-5-main-event [2] Sherdog (2023). Ankalaev outpoints Pereira to claim UFC light heavyweight title. Retrieved from https://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/Ankalaev-Outpoints-Pereira-to-Claim-UFC-Light-Heavyweight-Title-36160 [3] Lowkick MMA (2025). Gilbert Burns praises Alex Pereira's jiu-jitsu progress ahead of Ankalaev rematch. Retrieved from https://www.lowkickmma.com/news/gilbert-burns-praises-alex-pereiras-ju-jitsu-progress-ahead-of-ankalaev-rematch/ [4] ESPN (2025). Pereira trains with Teixeira ahead of Ankalaev rematch. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/36173759/alex-pereira-trains-glover-teixeira-prepares-ankalaev-rematch [5] MMA Fighting (2025). Can Pereira counter Ankalaev's takedown game in UFC 320 rematch? Retrieved from https://www.mmafighting.com/2025/9/1/26337758/can-pereira-counter-ankalaevs-takedown-game-in-ufc-320-rematch [6] MMA Mania (2025). De Natsi warns Pereira about open fighting style ahead of Ankalaev rematch. Retrieved from https://www.mmamaniana.com/2025/9/1/26337758/de-natsi-warns-pereira-about-open-fighting-style-ahead-of-ankalaev-rematch [7] Bloody Elbow (2023). Ankalaev's wrestling coach discusses Pereira's low hand ahead of UFC 313. Retrieved from https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2023/3/1/22921885/ankalaevs-wrestling-coach-discusses-pereiras-low-hand-ahead-of-ufc-313 [8] MMA Today (2023). Pereira's last defeat in the UFC light heavyweight division was against Ankalaev. Retrieved from https://www.mmatoday.com/2023/03/01/pereiras-last-defeat-in-the-ufc-light-heavyweight-division-was-against-ankalaev/
Bookmakers have started to place their bets on the upcoming UFC 320 main event, with Pereira and Ankalaev's rematch garnering a lot of attention in the sports betting community. Ankalaev, who currently holds a 13-fight winning streak, remains the favorite to retain his UFC light heavyweight championship title, but Pereira's improved grappling and jiu-jitsu skills are making him a more formidable opponent.
