MMA analyst Chael Sonnen believes Alex Pereira is making a strategic error by seeking an immediate rematch with Magomed Ankalaev.
Following his loss to Ankalaev at UFC 313, where Pereira surrendered his light heavyweight title, discussions shifted from a potential heavyweight move for Pereira to a quick rematch. However, Sonnen argues this rematch is ill-advised.
Sonnen, a known supporter of Pereira, stated on Submission Radio that he saw nothing in their first fight to suggest a second fight would yield a different result. He emphasized that Ankalaev convincingly won their first encounter, securing four out of five rounds.
“The first fight was decisively in Ankalaev`s favor, four rounds to one. Despite Pereira`s notable defense against takedowns, the fight was slow-paced and uneventful. There`s no compelling evidence to suggest that subsequent rounds would favor Pereira,” Sonnen elaborated.
Sonnen also questioned the notion of Pereira learning more from the first fight than Ankalaev. He pointed out that Ankalaev, who faced takedown resistance, is equally capable of making adjustments and exploiting his grappling advantage in a rematch.
While Pereira views the rematch as an opportunity to rectify his previous performance, citing pre-fight issues that hampered him, Sonnen believes Pereira is missing a bigger picture. Sonnen contends that Pereira`s most promising path remains a move to heavyweight, regardless of the Ankalaev rematch outcome.
“Opting for an immediate rematch is surprising and risky,” Sonnen commented. He reminded that Pereira`s move to light heavyweight was not due to dominance at middleweight, but rather after a loss. Sonnen suggests that capitalizing on the first fight`s outcome to move Pereira to heavyweight and pursue a title shot against figures like Jones or Aspinall would be a more strategic move. He cautions that consecutive losses to Ankalaev could be detrimental to Pereira`s career.
Pereira and Ankalaev are anticipated to have their rematch later this year, with both fighters aiming for an August timeframe.
