Alex Pereira isn’t executed 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 “executed” 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 everyone is used to watching me combat on a regular basis after which we keep [out] just a few months and so they say, ‘Oh, he’s executed,’ and discover it bizarre,” Pereira mentioned. “No one—not no one, however hardly another person does that, 4 fights in a 12 months. Individuals miss it.”
“Additionally, [Ankalaev] was selling [himself] a little bit 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 speak on the proper time.”
Pereira mentioned 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, maintain my physique and get sturdy.”
“[A rematch] is my focus, that’s what I need, and that can occur,” Pereira mentioned. “I don’t know [when], we haven’t spoken, however round October. It might 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.
“A couple of various things, however particulars,” Pereira mentioned. “It’s not like I’ll utterly change my recreation. No. It’s the identical factor, however fixing some strategies.”
