Alex Pereira says that his preparations had been hampered forward of his UFC 313 mild heavyweight title defeat to Magomed Ankalaev however he doesn’t remorse making the stroll to the cage for what was his first loss at 205-pounds.
‘Poatan’ has emerged as one of many greatest field workplace sights within the organisation since making his UFC debut in late 2021, swiftly successful a world title at middleweight earlier than changing into the most recent entry to the corporate’s two-division-champ membership when he gained the vacant 205-pound title in November 2023.
Nonetheless, his run as mild heavyweight champ got here to a crashing halt in Las Vegas earlier this month when he was outpointed throughout 5 rounds by Russia’s Ankalaev — with Joe Rogan stating on his podcast quickly afterwards that he was knowledgeable that Pereira fought with a broken hand and whereas recovering from norovirus (identified to many because the winter vomiting bug).
However talking to Ariel Helwani (as famous by MMA Fighting) Pereira mentioned that there have been no points together with his arms however did acknowledge that his preparation for the battle was not preferrred.
“Like I at all times say, I don’t like to provide excuses or take the advantage away from the opponent even when I disagree with the choice,” Pereira mentioned through his translator. “Everyone has their points. I had mine, and possibly he had his issues too, however what I can say is that my hand was high-quality. However many issues occurred.”
“That was some of the sophisticated fights with all the pieces that occurred,” the Brazilian knockout artist added. “I don’t [regret fighting]. I’ve conquered all the pieces I’ve and have motivated many individuals, and I attempted one thing that was exhausting for me. I’ve finished comparable issues earlier than with difficulties of accidents and issues like that and it has labored earlier than, and this time it didn’t, however I don’t remorse it.”
Pereira additionally acknowledged that he has his points with the choice however regardless, he is not going to step into the cage subsequent with anybody however Ankalaev.
“It’s apparent that I need a rematch with him, and I gained’t take another battle,” Pereira mentioned. “I feel I’ve this proper for all of the work I’ve finished, however we nonetheless haven’t talked to the organisation. I’ll be prepared. If it’s August, it’s a superb date.”
