Alex Pereira is facing a tough challenge to defend his championship, and some experts are wondering if he is fully focused.
At UFC 313 on March 8th, Pereira will defend his light heavyweight title for the fourth time against Magomed Ankalaev in the main event. Pereira had a successful 2024, winning three championship fights and becoming a popular UFC star.
Pereira’s popularity has led to many opportunities, including traveling for leisure and recently supporting Sean Strickland in Australia at UFC 312.
Analysts Chael Sonnen and Daniel Cormier are concerned that all this travel might be affecting Pereira’s preparation for his fight with Ankalaev in two weeks.
Sonnen mentioned on the “Good Guy / Bad Guy” podcast that he is concerned. He pointed out how fighters like Stipe Miocic benefited from a consistent routine at home, which is difficult when traveling. Training on the road might involve hotel treadmills or limited workouts, which is not the same as a regular training camp.
Meanwhile, Sonnen noted that Ankalaev is avoiding media and staying focused in the mountains of the Caucasus region, suggesting a more dedicated preparation.
Cormier added that Ankalaev has already arrived in Las Vegas for his title opportunity. Ankalaev previously fought Jan Blachowicz for the vacant title at UFC 282, which ended in a draw.
Cormier questions Pereira’s travel schedule while his opponent is already in Vegas preparing for their fight.
Cormier mentioned meeting Ankalaev in Las Vegas and seeing him very focused and ready for the fight. While bookmakers favor Ankalaev, many fans believe in Pereira. However, Cormier is concerned about Pereira adjusting to time differences after traveling from Australia to Connecticut and then to Las Vegas for the fight week.
Ankalaev is on a 13-fight unbeaten streak leading up to UFC 313. He is known for his striking but also showed wrestling skills in his fight with Blachowicz, which could be useful against Pereira.
Sonnen believes Ankalaev might say he will strike with Pereira but could change his strategy in the fight. Ankalaev himself claims to be a kickboxer, and Sonnen suggests we should take him at his word.
Ankalaev has made strong statements about the fight, saying Pereira “will never be the same” afterwards. He also criticized Pereira for seeming to prioritize socializing over training, echoing Cormier and Sonnen’s concerns.
Cormier sees paths to victory for both fighters. He emphasizes the importance of both fighters being at their best.
Cormier believes that Ankalaev’s past struggles with leg kicks against Blachowicz could be a problem against Pereira, who is known for his powerful leg kicks. He thinks Ankalaev might revert to the fighter who struggled in the later rounds against Blachowicz. Cormier also pointed out that Blachowicz was able to control Pereira on the ground for periods of time.
Cormier concludes that Pereira needs to return home immediately and fully focus on training because he is facing the toughest challenge of his title reign so far.
