The rivalry between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira is rapidly becoming one of the most intense storylines in the UFC. With their highly anticipated rematch set for UFC 320 in Las Vegas, the trash talk has already started to reach boiling point. These two fighters share a heated history, and every interaction between them only adds fuel to the fire.

Six months ago, Ankalaev shook the MMA world when he dominated Pereira at UFC 313, ending the Brazilian’s perfect run in the light heavyweight division. It wasn’t a close contest. Ankalaev imposed his will over five grueling rounds, systematically shutting down Pereira’s dangerous striking and walking away with a unanimous decision victory. Now, with the rematch officially locked in, both fighters are reminding fans why their matchup is must-watch drama.

Pereira Claims Ankalaev Was Hiding at the UFC PI

The latest chapter in their feud began when Alex Pereira posted a bold claim in one of his YouTube videos. According to the former two-division UFC champion, he and Ankalaev both happened to be at the UFC Performance Institute earlier this week. Pereira alleged that instead of crossing paths like true fighters, the reigning champion actively avoided him.

The Brazilian, known for his cold demeanor and knockout power, didn’t hold back in calling out Ankalaev. In Pereira’s version of events, the Dagestani fighter was “playing hide and seek” like a nervous kid who wanted no confrontation. For a man who built his reputation on walking down some of the most dangerous strikers in the world, this accusation carried plenty of weight with fans.

Pereira thrives on mind games. Even in kickboxing, he often used subtle psychological tactics to get into his opponent’s head before delivering his thunderous left hook. Suggesting that Ankalaev is intimidated plays directly into that strategy. But if Pereira expected Ankalaev to stay silent, he was sorely mistaken.

Ankalaev’s Cold Response

Magomed Ankalaev, known for his calm and stoic personality, rarely engages in long trash talk wars. But this time, he chose to respond with an icy reminder of reality. Taking to social media, Ankalaev dismissed Pereira’s comments as laughable and then twisted the knife with a brutal truth.

“This clown who I’m fighting said I’m hiding from him. I’m giving him a rematch and he should be very grateful. I whooped him for 5 rounds and I did everything I wanted to him during the fight. Let’s focus on fighting and not trash talking.”

The response was short, sharp, and cutting. By calling Pereira a “clown” and reminding everyone of the dominant one-sided nature of their first fight, Ankalaev reasserted his control of the narrative. While Pereira may be trying to play mental games, Ankalaev’s words carried the weight of undeniable facts. He beat Pereira across all five rounds at UFC 313, and in his eyes, there’s no question about who holds the upper hand.

Why the Rematch Matters

On paper, a rematch between two fighters where the first bout was so lopsided might seem unnecessary. Yet in MMA, especially with stars like Alex Pereira, things are rarely that simple. Pereira remains one of the most dangerous knockout artists in the UFC. His power has ended fights in an instant, and many fans believe he can still catch Ankalaev if given another chance.

The UFC also recognizes the marketability of Pereira. His unique journey from kickboxing to becoming a two-division UFC champion has made him a global star. Fans love his intimidating walkouts, stoic personality, and devastating highlight reels. From a promotional perspective, putting him back in the cage with the man who dominated him makes for compelling drama.

For Ankalaev, granting Pereira a rematch is about solidifying his reign. While he already holds a decisive win, beating Pereira again—especially if he can do it more emphatically—will leave no doubt about who is the rightful king of the light heavyweight division.

Styles Make Fights

The contrast between Ankalaev and Pereira is what makes this rivalry so fascinating. Pereira embodies the archetype of the knockout striker. With his kickboxing background and legendary left hook, he has the ability to end a fight with a single punch. His victories over Israel Adesanya, Jan Blachowicz, and Jiri Prochazka came through this relentless striking approach.

Ankalaev, however, is a product of the Dagestani fighting style—methodical, technical, and suffocating. His striking is solid, but it is his patience and grappling threat that break opponents. Against Pereira, he showcased a masterclass in control. He blended his striking with clinch work and takedowns, neutralizing Pereira’s power and forcing the Brazilian to fight on the back foot for nearly the entire match.

The first fight showed what happens when Pereira cannot dictate distance. Stripped of the ability to unload his heavy shots, he looked frustrated and out of rhythm. The big question heading into UFC 320 is whether he can adjust, or if Ankalaev will simply repeat the same game plan with similar results.

Mental Warfare Heating Up

Both men know that the mental aspect of fighting can be just as important as the physical. Pereira’s accusation of Ankalaev hiding was likely less about truth and more about planting seeds of doubt. By painting the champion as someone who avoids confrontation, he’s trying to shake Ankalaev’s stoic armor.

Ankalaev’s icy response, however, suggests he’s not interested in playing games. His demeanor reflects the Dagestani mentality of focusing purely on results inside the cage. By highlighting his dominant win, he effectively reminded both Pereira and the fans that talk means nothing when the Octagon door closes.

This battle of words may just be the beginning. As UFC 320 draws closer, both men will likely continue exchanging jabs outside the cage, each looking to tilt the mental balance in their favor.

What’s at Stake at UFC 320

The rematch carries huge implications for both fighters. For Magomed Ankalaev, a second win over Pereira will cement his status as the undisputed light heavyweight king. It would silence critics who believe Pereira deserves another shot and set him up for potential matchups with rising contenders in the division.

For Alex Pereira, this is about redemption. Losing twice to the same opponent would not only hurt his chances of regaining the belt but also risk damaging his aura of invincibility. A win, however, would instantly rewrite the narrative, proving that his first loss was a mere stumble and showcasing his ability to adapt under pressure.

The Build-Up to Las Vegas

As the countdown to UFC 320 continues, anticipation will only grow. The fight card is shaping up to be one of the biggest of the year, and the rivalry between Ankalaev and Pereira is at the heart of it. Their contrasting styles, their fiery words, and the history they share make this a clash fans cannot wait to witness.

Whether it ends in another five-round grind or a shocking knockout, the stakes are enormous. And as the verbal sparring continues, both men are making one thing clear: when they finally meet in the cage, there will be no hiding, only fighting.