Alex Pereira offers no excuses after UFC 313 loss, says talks for Magomed Ankalaev rematch already underway

It appears Alex Pereira will immediately get an opportunity to avenge his UFC 313 title loss.

Pereira (12-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) lost his light heavyweight title to Magomed Ankalaev (21-1-1 MMA, 12-1-1 UFC) by unanimous decision in Saturday’s main event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Pereira was able to stuff all 12 of Ankalaev’s takedown attempts, but expressed his frustration after the fight toward Ankalaev’s game plan. He’s not ready to contest the decision until he’s rewatched the fight.

“Of course it’s not the result I wanted,” Pereira said on his YouTube channel (h/t MMA Fighting). “We were confident for this fight. I was well. I trained hard. Some things happened, of course, but I don’t want to give excuses. I know we’ll have the rematch.

“We’re already in talks (for a rematch because of) everything I’ve done and the way the fight went. Many people contested (the decision) and were in doubt. I haven’t watched the fight yet. I’ll watch to have my opinion, (because) it’s hard to have an idea when you’re in there.”

UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that Pereira and Ankalaev will likely run things back next, and Ankalaev is also gearing up for that possibility.

“I’m ready for Round 6, but this time will not go for full distant,” Ankalaev said on X. “Let’s go guys .”