Alex Pereira’s pound-for-pound ranking takes massive hit after devastating UFC 313 loss 

UFC superstar Alex Pereira drops five places in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings after a devastating loss at UFC 313.

Alex Pereira’s pound-for-pound ranking takes massive hit after devastating UFC 313 loss 

Alex Pereira is currently the #8 ranked fighter in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings (via X)

Alex Pereira‘s UFC 313 outing didn’t go as the Brazilian superstar would have expected. He fought top light heavyweight contender Magomed Ankalaev and lost the bout via unanimous decision. Despite having a massive winning momentum behind him, Pereira lost his belt as well his top spot in the pound-for-pound rankings. 

Last year Pereira defended his title thrice knocking out all his opponents in a dominant fashion. As a result, he found himself in the #3 position, right behind Jon Jones and Islam Makhachev. Ahead of the fight, UFC CEO Dana White warned about ‘Poatan’ potentially snatching Makhachev’s pound-for-pound number one status, however, the reality was different.

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Going into the fight, Pereira was the fan favorite and he impressed everyone with his takedown defense. However, in the process he was inefficient in the striking department and failed to find his target. Magomed Ankalaev kept the pressure throughout the fight and ultimately pulled off a massive upset.

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Alex Pereira’s change in rankings 

Following UFC 313, UFC released its updated pound-for-pound rankings which put Pereira in #8 spot. He lost five positions and is currently behind the welterweight champion Belal Muhammad. The #3 position is now taken by Ilia Topuria who knocked out two featherweight greats last year. 

Alex Pereira lost to Magomed Ankalaev via unanimous decision
Alex Pereira lost to Magomed Ankalaev via unanimous decision (via X)

On the other hand, the newly crowned champion Magomed Ankalaev jumped up the rankings and is currently #6 in the list. Top champions, Merab Dvalishvili and Dricus Du Plessis are above him at #4 and #5 respectively. Pereira is currently eyeing a rematch against the Russian and might get an opportunity to reclaim his lost glory.

Magomed Ankalaev’s pressure was too much for Alex Pereira 

Alex Pereira is known for luring his opponents and striking them with his vicious left hook. However, Magomed Ankalaev was too smart for that and maintained his discipline throughout the battle. Despite the leg kicks, he didn’t lose his patience and remained consistent with his plan. 

UFC veteran shares the reason why Alex Pereira lost to Magomed Ankalaev
UFC veteran shares the reason why Alex Pereira lost to Magomed Ankalaev (via X)

After the fight, he even accused Pereira of running away and avoiding exchanges. While reviewing the fight, former UFC champion Kamaru Usman credited the Russian for his relentless approach.

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Ankalaev wasn’t scared of him. He wasn’t shook. He was in his face from the start….He walked him down. 

Kamaru Usman via Pound 4 Pound Podcast 

Alex Pereira has been the top superstar for UFC for the last few years, consistently giving pay-per-view success. Dana White was highly impressed by his success and called him the face of the current UFC. As expected, after his loss, White wasn’t that hyped and has already talked about a potential rematch.