Alex Pereira isn’t achieved combating; the truth is, he’s about to renew coaching aiming for a rematch for the UFC gentle heavyweight championship.
Magomed Ankalaev, the person that took the 205-pound title away from the Brazilian by way of choice again in March, has been vocal on social media claiming that “Poatan” was “achieved” and “by no means coming again”, and telling followers he would “transfer on” to totally different challengers.
Whereas touring the world, Pereira has not responded to any of Ankalaev’s digital assaults, and defined why in an interview with UFC Brasil on Saturday night time, whereas attending UFC 316 in Newark, N.J.
“I feel all people is used to watching me struggle on a regular basis after which we keep [out] a number of months they usually say, ‘Oh, he’s achieved,’ and discover it bizarre,” Pereira stated. “No one—not no one, however hardly another person does that, 4 fights in a yr. Folks miss it.”
“Additionally, [Ankalaev] was selling [himself] somewhat bit if he says my title, proper?” he continued. “As a result of no one is aware of he’s champion, proper? So when he says my title he will get some consideration. However I’m not responding to any of his assaults as a result of I do know it’s just for promotion. I’ll discuss on the proper time.”
Pereira stated he has taken a while off to “relaxation” and get better from accidents, and plans on touring quickly to Brazil for 30 days to “begin a preparation, care for my physique and get robust.”
“[A rematch] is my focus, that’s what I would like, and that can occur,” Pereira stated. “I don’t know [when], we haven’t spoken, however round October. It may very well be September, October, November. It doesn’t matter to me. That date is ideal for me.”
The Brazilian star was on a title-fight knockout streak when he misplaced to Ankalaev in a bout the place he confirmed good takedown protection, however was unable to let his punches and kicks go. Pereira plans on bringing one thing new for the rematch.
“Just a few various things, however particulars,” Pereira stated. “It’s not like I’ll fully change my sport. No. It’s the identical factor, however fixing some strategies.”
