Alex Pereira Caught Cheating? Magomed Ankalaev Demands Justice in Shocking Rematch Callout!

A Rivalry Fueled by Controversy The UFC light heavyweight division is on fire after Alex Pereira finally broke his silence on Magomed Ankalaev’s call for a rematch. Their war at UFC 313 was one of the most grueling title fights in recent memory, ending with Ankalaev narrowly securing a decision victory. But rather than celebrating his newly claimed crown, the Russian found himself at the center of controversy. Ankalaev’s camp accused Pereira of greasing his body to evade takedowns, igniting a post-fight storm of speculation and outrage.

As tensions soar, the reunion talks have only intensified. Ankalaev publicly challenged Pereira to run it back, fueling expectations for another explosive showdown. Now, Pereira has responded—though his words raise more questions than answers.

Alex Pereira’s Cryptic Clapback: A Statement Without Saying Much

In classic Pereira fashion, the Brazilian kept his response short but loaded with intent. When Ankalaev took to social media to declare, “This time there will be no five rounds; I don’t get paid by the hour,” Pereira fired back with a four-word Instagram post:
“Let’s go Ali (Abdelaziz). Chama.”

For those unfamiliar, “Chama” is Portuguese slang for “bring it on”—a simple yet powerful statement. By tagging Ali Abdelaziz, Ankalaev’s manager, Pereira made one thing crystal clear: he’s not dodging the fight.

The message may be brief, but it speaks volumes. It’s a signature Pereira move—stoic, confident, and unapologetically bold. If anything, this response only amplifies the already heated rivalry between these two elite warriors.

The Greasing Allegations: Justified or Excuse-Making?

 Ankalaev’s team isn’t backing down from their accusations. They claim Pereira used illegal greasing tactics to make himself harder to grip, an advantage that could have compromised Ankalaev’s takedown attempts. While these allegations haven’t been substantiated by the UFC or officials, the narrative has taken on a life of its own.

It’s not the first time a fighter has been accused of greasing. In the past, legends like Georges St-Pierre and Anderson Silva faced similar accusations. However, proving such claims is another story entirely. Without solid evidence, it remains an unverified grievance—but one that adds another layer of drama to an already explosive rivalry.

Dana White Hints at a Rematch: Is It Already in the Works?

The UFC brass knows a good storyline when they see one. Dana White has already hinted that an immediate rematch is the “probable” next step, acknowledging the fight’s controversial ending and the fan demand for a second clash.

With Ankalaev claiming he’s “accepted a date” for his first title defense and Pereira signaling his eagerness, it’s only a matter of time before negotiations finalize. Given that Pereira defended his belt twice in 2024, a quick turnaround isn’t out of the question.

If the rematch happens, expect it to be bigger, better, and far more personal than the first fight.

A Clash of Styles: Knockout Artist vs. Methodical Grappler

The stylistic contrast between Pereira and Ankalaev is what makes this fight so compelling. On one side, you have Pereira—an elite knockout artist, a former GLORY kickboxing champion, and one of the most devastating strikers in UFC history. On the other, Ankalaev—a methodical, technical grappler with a suffocating ground game and elite Sambo credentials.

Their first fight was a chess match, with Ankalaev narrowly outpointing Pereira in a grueling war of attrition. But the match?  That could be a whole different beast.

What’s Next for Alex Pereira?

While the rematch with Ankalaev seems inevitable, Pereira still has options. The Brazilian is a two-division champion, meaning he could very well decide to jump back up to heavyweight for a superfight. Some have even speculated about a potential Jon Jones showdown, given Pereira’s ambitions to cement his legacy across multiple weight classes.

However, the immediate focus remains on reclaiming his light heavyweight throne. And judging by his cryptic yet confident response, Pereira is more than ready for the challenge.

Final Thoughts: Is This the UFC’s Next Great Rivalry?

The bad blood between Pereira and Ankalaev is real. The accusations, the trash talk, the controversial decision—it’s all the perfect fuel for an even more explosive rematch. UFC fans live for storylines like this, and if their first fight was any indication, the sequel could be an all-time classic.

Will Pereira silence his doubters and reclaim gold? Or will Ankalaev prove that his victory was no fluke? One thing’s for sure—the chess match between these two warriors is far from over.

The Stakes Have Never Been Higher

For Alex Pereira, this rematch isn’t just about revenge—it’s about legacy. The Brazilian powerhouse has already cemented his place as one of the most feared strikers in UFC history, but regaining the light heavyweight belt would further solidify his dominance across multiple divisions. A victory over Magomed Ankalaev would erase any doubt about his ground game and prove he can handle elite-level grapplers.

Meanwhile, Ankalaev stands at a pivotal moment in his career. A win in the rematch would validate his championship reign and silence critics who believe he only edged out Pereira due to controversial judging. More importantly, it would secure his position as a dominant force in the division, potentially setting up a long-term title run. But with Pereira’s knockout power looming, one mistake could see his reign cut short before it truly begins.

What Needs to Change for Pereira?

To win the rematch, Pereira must make key adjustments. His striking remains his strongest weapon, but he’ll need to improve his takedown defense and sharpen his ability to scramble back to his feet. If he can keep the fight standing, Ankalaev will be in serious trouble. Additionally, Pereira might come in with a more aggressive game plan, looking for an early finish instead of letting the fight drag into deep waters.