The stage is set for one of the most highly anticipated fights of the year. At UFC 320, former champion Alex Pereira will attempt to reclaim the UFC light heavyweight title in a heated rematch against Magomed Ankalaev. The first clash between these two elite fighters ended in a frustrating unanimous decision victory for Ankalaev, ending Pereira’s reign as champion after just 16 months.

While the odds and public perception may be stacked against the Brazilian knockout artist, one UFC legend believes the script will flip this weekend. Dustin Poirier, one of the most respected and battle-tested fighters in mixed martial arts, has openly backed Pereira to beat Ankalaev—and he has even detailed exactly how it can be done.

This article takes a deep dive into the rematch, breaking down styles, strengths, weaknesses, and why Poirier believes Alex Pereira can knock out Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320.

The Story So Far: Pereira vs. Ankalaev I

When Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev first met earlier this year, expectations were sky-high. Pereira, nicknamed Poatan, had already become one of the UFC’s biggest stars thanks to his vicious striking, iconic knockouts, and his meteoric rise across two divisions.

However, the fight against Ankalaev exposed vulnerabilities. The Russian utilized his wrestling, cage control, and measured striking to neutralize Pereira’s power. Across five rounds, Ankalaev dictated the pace, frustrated Pereira’s offense, and walked away with the unanimous decision win.

For Pereira, the loss was a wake-up call. Fans criticized his inability to adapt mid-fight, while some suggested he had been avoiding Ankalaev in the first place. Now, with the rematch locked in for UFC 320, Pereira is determined to rewrite the narrative.

Dustin Poirier’s Take: Why He Backs Pereira

During a recent appearance on The Bohnfire, Dustin Poirier gave his honest thoughts about the rematch. Surprisingly, Poirier backed Pereira to get the job done—not by points, but by knockout.

“He’s danced with this guy before, he wants that title back, and he wants revenge. He’s too dangerous of a fighter to go in there and not find that shot this fight. I think it’s going to be a TKO or a KO inside the distance,” Poirier explained.

This confidence comes from Poirier’s belief that fighters of Pereira’s caliber cannot go 50 minutes against the same opponent without eventually landing something fight-ending. Even though Ankalaev proved his toughness and technical superiority in many aspects of the first fight, Pereira’s power remains the great equalizer.

Breaking Down Alex Pereira’s Path to Victory

So, how does Pereira actually win against someone as disciplined and well-rounded as Ankalaev? Let’s break down the key factors that could tilt the fight in his favor.

Aggression and Early Pressure

In their first fight, Pereira allowed Ankalaev to dictate the pace. He fought reactively, waiting for openings that never came. To beat a fighter like Ankalaev, Pereira will need to start strong, push the pace, and force exchanges early.

Ankalaev thrives when he can settle into a rhythm, use his jab, and mix in takedowns. Disrupting that rhythm with forward pressure and feints will make him uncomfortable. Pereira’s ability to cut off the cage and trap opponents against the fence will be crucial.

Targeting Ankalaev’s Defense

Although Ankalaev is known for his durability and composure, he does have defensive gaps. His high guard leaves his body open, and he can be slow to reset after throwing combinations. Pereira, with his kickboxing background, should exploit these openings by mixing up body shots, leg kicks, and sudden overhands.

The Brazilian’s legendary left hook remains his most dangerous weapon. If he can disguise it behind body attacks and leg kicks, it may eventually find Ankalaev’s chin.

Improved Takedown Defense

One of the biggest difference-makers in the first fight was Ankalaev’s ability to use his grappling. He didn’t dominate Pereira on the ground, but he effectively controlled him and disrupted his striking flow.

For Pereira to succeed, takedown defense must be on point. He will need to utilize sprawls, underhooks, and lateral movement to avoid prolonged grappling exchanges. Training with high-level wrestlers since the loss has likely been a focus in his camp.

Patience With Purpose

While aggression is important, reckless aggression would play right into Ankalaev’s hands. Pereira must walk a fine line – applying pressure but staying calculated. If he rushes in, the Russian can counterstrike or change levels for a takedown.

Poirier’s prediction of a knockout relies on Pereira’s ability to be patient with purpose – waiting for Ankalaev to overcommit, then capitalizing with a perfectly timed power shot.

Magomed Ankalaev: The Obstacle in Pereira’s Path

While Pereira has clear avenues to victory, Magomed Ankalaev is no easy puzzle to solve. The Russian fighter is 18-1-1 and widely regarded as one of the most complete light heavyweights in the UFC.

Strengths: Elite wrestling, technical striking, composure under pressure, ability to fight five full rounds without fading.

Weaknesses: Can be too patient at times, occasionally leaves himself open to counters, and hasn’t faced someone with Pereira’s raw knockout power more than once.

Ankalaev’s game plan will likely be similar to the first fight: stay disciplined, mix levels, frustrate Pereira, and avoid prolonged exchanges where he could be caught clean.

What’s at Stake at UFC 320

The main event of UFC 320 carries more weight than just a belt. For Pereira, this is about legacy and redemption. Losing twice to the same opponent would raise serious questions about his ability to handle elite wrestlers and grind-heavy fighters. A win, however, would not only give him back the light heavyweight crown but also reestablish him as one of the sport’s most dangerous champions.

For Ankalaev, victory would cement him as the true king of the division. Despite his skills, Ankalaev has often flown under the radar compared to more marketable stars like Pereira. Beating Pereira twice would silence critics and solidify his reputation as one of the UFC’s most dominant light heavyweights.

Dustin Poirier’s Confidence: Why It Matters

When a legend like Dustin Poirier speaks, fight fans listen. Poirier has shared the Octagon with some of the greatest fighters in history, and his understanding of striking dynamics makes his endorsement significant.

His belief in Pereira isn’t blind loyalty; it’s rooted in the reality that fighters with Pereira’s knockout power are never truly out of a fight. One clean shot can change everything—and Poirier believes Pereira is destined to land that shot at UFC 320.

Can Pereira Really Do It?

While Magomed Ankalaev deserves to be the betting favorite, dismissing Alex Pereira entirely would be a mistake. He has the tools, the power, and the motivation to change the outcome in the rematch.

If Pereira can defend takedowns, mix up his striking, and stay patient, he has a legitimate chance to find Ankalaev’s chin. And as Poirier pointed out, it seems unlikely that Pereira will go another 25 minutes without landing something significant.

At UFC 320, fans can expect a tactical battle, moments of tension, and potentially a fight-ending knockout that could shake the light heavyweight division. Whether it’s Ankalaev’s dominance or Pereira’s redemption, this rematch promises to be unforgettable.

The narrative heading into UFC 320 is clear: Alex Pereira wants revenge, and Dustin Poirier believes he’ll get it.

The Brazilian knockout artist has already carved out a legendary UFC career, but a second loss to Ankalaev could damage his legacy. On the other hand, a spectacular knockout win would restore his aura of invincibility and cement him as one of the most dangerous champions in UFC history.

When the Octagon door closes this weekend, it won’t just be about belts or rankings. It will be about redemption, power, and proving to the world that lightning can indeed strike twice—this time, in Pereira’s favor.