Israel Adesanya expressed confidence in Alex Pereira’s ability to defeat Magomed Ankalaev in a potential rematch to reclaim the UFC light heavyweight title from Magomed Ankalaev. Speaking on his YouTube channel in May 2025, Adesanya praised Pereira’s growth, predicting a comeback after his UFC 313 loss.
Born July 22, 1989, in Lagos, Nigeria, Israel Adesanya holds a 24-4 UFC record. He won the middleweight title in October 2019 at UFC 243 by defeating Robert Whittaker and defended it five times. His last fight was a submission loss to Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 305 in August 2024.
Alex Pereira, born July 7, 1987, in São Paulo, Brazil, has a 12-3 MMA record. He won the middleweight title against Adesanya at UFC 281 in November 2022 but lost it at UFC 287 in April 2023. He claimed the light heavyweight title in November 2023.
At UFC 313 in March 2025, Pereira lost his light heavyweight title to Ankalaev by unanimous decision in Las Vegas. Ankalaev, with a 21-1-1 record, outstruck Pereira, landing a key left hand in Round 2.
Pereira blocked all 12 of Ankalaev’s takedown attempts but lost on striking. Judges scored it 49-46 and 48-47 twice for Ankalaev.
Adesanya’s Backing
Adesanya praised Pereira, saying:
“I’m so proud of the guy. It’s like I created a monster.” He added, “He showed why he is who he is across two weight classes,” noting his success in middleweight and light heavyweight.
He predicted, “I can’t wait to see the next fight with him and Ankalaev again. I think it’ll be another hard one.” Adesanya said, “I think he can get it done. It wasn’t work out because it wasn’t a complete washout,” highlighting the fight’s closeness.
Adesanya noted, “He’s exponentially getting better.”
He believes Pereira’s striking could secure a rematch win.
Adesanya questioned UFC 313’s 49-46 scorecard, saying, “Wow, 49-46? What was that?” on YouTube. He believed Pereira won two rounds.
His support carries weight, given their UFC split, with Adesanya knocking out Pereira at UFC 287.
Ankalaev, born June 2, 1992, in Makhachkala, Russia, won the title at UFC 313. He criticized Pereira, saying, “He kept on running away from me,” at the press conference. His 5.2 significant strikes per minute stood out.
Ankalaev’s skills make him a tough rematch opponent.
Pereira’s coach, Glover Teixeira, believes he won UFC 313, per Pereira’s YouTube channel. The team is refining his strategy for a rematch.
Pereira’s takedown defense at UFC 313 supports Adesanya’s confidence.
A Pereira-Ankalaev rematch would draw fans, given Pereira’s popularity and Ankalaev’s streak. Contenders like Khalil Rountree await the result.
Adesanya’s prediction fuels interest in the fight.
Pereira and Ankalaev are unbooked, awaiting UFC’s rematch decision. Adesanya’s next fight is unconfirmed. This anticipated rematch keeps the light heavyweight division in the spotlight.
