Alex Pereira claps back at grease controversy after serious accusations from team Magomed Ankalaev

Alex Pereira’s last fight at UFC 313 ended in disappointment as he lost his light heavyweight title to Magomed Ankalaev. After five intense rounds of action, the judges unanimously awarded the victory to Ankalaev. However, the Russian fighter was not satisfied, and his team later accusing Pereira of cheating and seeking a more dominant victory in their championship clash.

Ankalaev’s original plan was to use his wrestling, but he was unable to take down Pereira despite 12 attempts. After the fight, the Russian’s coach, Sukhrab Magomedov, mentioned that he saw some weird substance on Pereira during the bout. However, in a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, ‘Poatan’ refuted these claims, calling these allegations as excuses. 

Ahead of the fight, there was a narrative against Pereira’s wrestling prowess and the Brazilian fighter was able to shut them down. Following the defeat, Pereira didn’t agree with the result and criticized Ankalaev for excessive clinching and resorting to control time. Many fans had the same complaint as they wanted to see a finish, but that wasn’t the case.

Alex Pereira responds to greasing allegations:

"I absolutely didn't put anything on my body. For me, that's him trying to make an excuse to justify the fact that he trained a guy to take me down, but the guy got stuffed for 12 of his takedown attempts. You didn't do what you're… pic.twitter.com/X44Yww0vyT

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) March 26, 2025

While Pereira managed to stuff all the takedowns, the constant wrestling threat kept him guessing. During the process, he couldn’t efficiently focus on his striking and let go of his vicious left hook. Nevertheless, ‘Poatan’ will get his opportunity to reclaim himself in the rematch, potentially later this year. 

UFC veteran talks about Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev rematch 

Alex Pereira is the UFC’s biggest asset due to his knockout power, exciting fights, and ability to draw massive pay-per-view numbers. His rivalry with Israel Adesanya and incredible striking skills have made him one of the most marketable and must-watch fighters today. With a unique background in kickboxing and a fearless fighting style, Pereira guarantees electrifying performances that fans eagerly anticipate.

UFC CEO Dana White has been highly impressed by Alex Pereira’s star power, recognizing that losing him as champion would be a setback. After the fight, White wasted no time announcing an immediate rematch, likely hoping Pereira would reclaim his light heavyweight title. While Poatan has a chance, UFC veteran Chael Sonnen shared his perspective on how the rematch might unfold.

Reports suggest the rematch is already in the works, with Ankalaev having officially signed the contract to defend his title. The Russian is brimming with confidence, aiming for an early finish to solidify his dominance in the light heavyweight division. Meanwhile, Pereira is determined to reclaim his championship and erase the disappointment of his previous defeat.

Can Magomed Ankalaev replicate Alex Pereira’s success with stardom? 

Alex Pereira’s time in the light heavyweight division has been nothing else but dominating. He managed to win the vacant title with ease and then went on to defend it three times in 2024. During the process, he knocked out all of his opponents, establishing an unmatched threat. 

Magomed Ankalaev is a dominant fighter, but replicating Pereira’s success is a tough challenge. Pereira’s meteoric rise, two-division championship wins, and star power make him a unique figure in UFC history. Ankalaev possesses elite skills, but he lacks the striking mystique and crossover appeal that have made Pereira a global sensation. Time will tell if he can match Pereira’s impact.

Related: Magomed Ankalaev Net Worth, Endorsements, UFC contract, Wife and House

Stay Updated!

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW