Magomed Ankalaev, the new UFC light heavyweight champ, isn’t fazed by talk about Alex Pereira’s condition during their last fight. On March 25, 2025, he took to X to address Joe Rogan’s comments from a recent podcast. Rogan had suggested Pereira battled with a broken hand and norovirus at UFC 313. Ankalaev also dropped news about a rematch offer for August, showing he’s ready to move forward no matter what.
The Fight Recap
Ankalaev beat Pereira at UFC 313 on March 8, 2025, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. It went all five rounds, ending with a unanimous decision for Ankalaev. He landed 92 strikes to Pereira’s 73, per UFC stats, and shut down Pereira’s knockout streak. The win gave Ankalaev his first UFC title, boosting his record to 21-1-1. Pereira, now 12-3, lost the belt he’d defended three times in 2024.
Rogan’s Take And Ankalaev’s Response
Joe Rogan stirred things up on his Fight Companion podcast during UFC London on March 22.
“Joe Rogan mentioned his team said that Alex fought with a broken hand and Norovirus, when fighters step in the cage nobody is 100%. I was offered a rematch with him in August and I said yes, but if he is not ready I will fight whoever is next it doesn’t matter,” Ankalaev quoted on X.
Rogan’s claim hints Pereira wasn’t at full strength, though no official word from Pereira’s camp backs this up yet.
Joe Rogan mentioned his team said that Alex fought with a broken hand and Norovirus, when fighters step in the cage nobody is 100%.
I was offered a rematch with him in August and I said yes, but if he is not ready I will fight whoever is next it doesn’t matter.
— Muhammad big ANK Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) March 25, 2025
Ankalaev didn’t dwell on it. He shrugged off the injury talk, noting every fighter steps in with some baggage. His focus? A rematch. He said he’s already agreed to face Pereira again in August. If Pereira can’t make it, Ankalaev’s fine taking on anyone else. His chill vibe shows confidence after outstriking Pereira, a kickboxing legend, in their first clash.
This fight left fans split. Some thought Pereira got robbed, but Ankalaev’s control won the judges over. Pereira’s 2024 run, knocking out Jiri Prochazka, Jamahal Hill, and Khalil Rountree, made him a star. Losing to Ankalaev sparked calls for a redo. UFC boss Dana White hinted at the UFC 313 press conference that it’s likely next, and Ankalaev’s post locks in his readiness.
August could bring round two. Ankalaev, 32, is riding a 13-fight unbeaten streak since 2018. Pereira, 37, might need time to heal if Rogan’s right. No UFC confirmation locks the date, but Ankalaev’s ready either way. If Pereira passes, contenders like Carlos Ulberg or Jiri Prochazka could step up. For now, the champ waits.
