Ankalaev vs Pereira Prediction
📣 On October 5, 2025, Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira will face off in a rematch for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. The Russian and the Brazilian will headline UFC 320 in Las Vegas, USA. Their first bout took place in March, where Ankalaev secured a victory via judges' decision. What will be the outcome of their rematch? Check out the prediction from the Scores24 editorial team!
Magomed Ankalaev Player Overview
The 33-year-old Russian fighter Magomed Ankalaev has been making waves in the UFC since his debut in 2018. His only loss came in his first bout against Paul Craig. Since then, Ankalaev has put together an impressive streak of 14 fights without a defeat (12 wins, a draw, and one no-contest). In 2022, the Dagestani fighter had his first shot at the championship title, but his fight with Jan Blachowicz at UFC 282 ended in a draw. The year 2024 proved to be successful for Magomed; he knocked out Johnny Walker and won by decision against Aleksandar Rakic. Then, at UFC 313, in his second career title fight, Ankalaev faced off against Alex Pereira and claimed the long-awaited victory.
Match Results: Magomed Ankalaev
Alex Pereira Player Overview
The 38-year-old Brazilian striker, Alex Pereira, a former UFC champion in both the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions, had a triumphant 2024. He successfully defended his title three times, including knockout victories over Jamahal Hill, Jiri Prochazka (in a rematch), and Khalil Rountree, earning him the title of Fighter of the Year in the promotion. However, in March 2025, Alex lost his title. Now, the Brazilian is determined to reclaim the belt in a rematch against Magomed Ankalaev.
Match Results: Alex Pereira
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Magomed Ankalaev
Ankalaev on the upcoming rematch:
"Yes, this is personal for me because it's my belt. I'm the champion, and they're coming after me. I have to defend my title, so it is personal. It's also personal because of the things he said that weren't true - claiming I was hiding from him. That got to me, and I didn't like it. Now, I want to inflict even more damage on him and punish him for his lies."
Alex Pereira
Pereira on the upcoming rematch:
"I have no doubts about my victory. I've prepared thoroughly and had a great training camp, so I should be ready for this fight. Honestly, in the first bout, I was only about 40% ready. Clearly, this time will be different. But even if I'm just 50% prepared, those extra 10% will change everything, and I won't leave any doubts for the judges."
⭐ Editorial Prediction
The first bout wasn't the most thrilling. Pereira focused on neutralizing Ankalaev's grappling, while Magomed didn't push too hard for takedowns, opting instead to outstrike the Brazilian from a safe distance and occasionally engage in clinches.In the rematch, we believe the outcome won't change. Ankalaev remains a superior fighter. The initial fight demonstrated that the Russian is quicker and more versatile. Yes, Pereira packs a powerful punch, but relying on that against an opponent like Magomed doesn't make much sense. We anticipate a confident victory for the champion!
