Alex Pereira isn’t done fighting; in fact, he’s about to resume training aiming for a rematch for the UFC light heavyweight championship.
Magomed Ankalaev, the man that took the 205-pound title away from the Brazilian via decision back in March, has been vocal on social media claiming that “Poatan” was “done” and “never coming back”, and telling fans he would “move on” to different challengers.
While traveling the world, Pereira has not responded to any of Ankalaev’s virtual attacks, and explained why in an interview with UFC Brasil on Saturday night, while attending UFC 316 in Newark, N.J.
“I think everybody is used to watching me fight all the time and then we stay [out] a few months and they say, ‘Oh, he’s done,’ and find it weird,” Pereira said. “Nobody—not nobody, but hardly someone else does that, four fights in a year. People miss it.”
“Also, [Ankalaev] was promoting [himself] a little bit if he says my name, right?” he continued. “Because nobody knows he’s champion, right? So when he says my name he gets some attention. But I’m not responding to any of his attacks because I know it’s only for promotion. I’ll talk at the right time.”
Pereira said he has taken some time off to “rest” and recover from injuries, and plans on traveling soon to Brazil for 30 days to “start a preparation, take care of my body and get strong.”
“[A rematch] is my focus, that’s what I want, and that will happen,” Pereira said. “I don’t know [when], we haven’t spoken, but around October. It could be September, October, November. It doesn’t matter to me. That date is perfect for me.”
The Brazilian star was on a title-fight knockout streak when he lost to Ankalaev in a bout where he showed good takedown defense, but was unable to let his punches and kicks go. Pereira plans on bringing something new for the rematch.
“A few different things, but details,” Pereira said. “It’s not like I’ll completely change my game. No. It’s the same thing, but fixing some techniques.”
