The countdown to UFC 320 has taken an intriguing turn with former champion Alex Pereira showing a fiery side of his personality rarely seen in his UFC career. Just days out from his blockbuster rematch with Magomed Ankalaev for the light heavyweight title on October 4 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Pereira is turning heads with his blunt words, renewed energy, and what some experts believe could be the spark he needs to reclaim gold.

In a sport where confidence and psychology are just as important as skill, Pereira’s sharp shift in demeanor is raising eyebrows. For some fans, it feels like the cold, calculating version of “Poatan” is gone, replaced by a more emotional, aggressive fighter determined to restore his place at the top. For UFC Hall of Famer Rashad Evans, this transformation is a positive sign that Pereira is finally reconnecting with the ruthless side of himself that once made him one of the most feared men in combat sports.

Pereira Heats Up the Rivalry

The latest flashpoint in this rivalry came after Pereira’s near run-in with Ankalaev at the UFC Performance Institute. In a heated reaction video, Pereira accused Ankalaev of “hiding” from him, suggesting that the Dagestani champion avoided crossing paths during training. He doubled down on the verbal assault by calling Ankalaev a “sh*t champion,” language far harsher than what fans are accustomed to hearing from him.

This level of intensity is unusual for Pereira, who has often carried himself with stoic calmness before fights. But with the rematch looming, he appears more animated and eager to engage in mental warfare. His willingness to speak with such emotion has shifted the pre-fight narrative and sparked talk that he might be more dangerous than ever heading into UFC 320.

Rashad Evans Sees a Positive Change

While some may dismiss Pereira’s rant as pure frustration, former 205-pound king Rashad Evans believes it’s exactly what the Brazilian needs. Speaking to MMA Junkie, Evans praised Pereira’s change of tone, saying it shows a fighter rediscovering the savage edge required to succeed at the elite level.

“I love that,” Evans said. “I’m glad that he’s kind of reconnected to that savage part of himself. Because listen, this isn’t a nice contest. Yeah, it’s great, you can have respect for your opponent. But there has to be that part of you that is just an asshole, to say the least. You’ve got to be a savage in there.”

For Evans, this isn’t about disrespect—it’s about mindset. He believes Pereira’s aggressive tone reflects a deeper level of focus and intensity. In his view, if Pereira truly fights from this “savage” place, he has the tools to overcome Ankalaev’s technical style and reclaim his title.

A Career at a Crossroads

Few fighters have had a career trajectory as dramatic as Alex Pereira’s. The former two-division UFC champion achieved the rare feat of holding belts in both middleweight and light heavyweight, knocking out Israel Adesanya and Jiri Prochazka along the way. His meteoric rise from kickboxing legend to MMA superstar seemed unstoppable until Ankalaev halted his momentum at UFC 313 in March.

That loss not only cost him the title but also shifted the conversation around his career. At 38, with a long history of combat sports mileage, questions began swirling: had Pereira finally slowed down? Did his busy schedule outside the cage contribute to his downfall? Or was Ankalaev simply a better fighter who exposed a gap Pereira cannot close?

Evans acknowledges these doubts but insists the story is far from written. In his eyes, Pereira still has the ability to win at the highest level—if he can block out distractions and commit fully to the fight.

Adjustments and Training Camp

One of the biggest factors working in Pereira’s favor is the confidence Evans has in his coaching team. Glover Teixeira, a former UFC champion and close mentor, alongside longtime trainer Plinio Cruz, are guiding Pereira through camp. Evans believes this support system gives him the strategic adjustments needed to reverse the outcome of their first meeting.

“Alex, when I seen him last, he seems to be really locked in to doing what he needs to do in camp without the distractions and really just making sure he gets the training partners he needs to get,” Evans explained. “Fight from that place that he knows if he fights from that, he can win.”

Pereira’s improvements will have to be tactical. In their first fight, Ankalaev’s combination of striking variety, grappling, and relentless pressure neutralized Pereira’s biggest weapon: his knockout power. If Pereira wants to turn the tide, he must find a way to create space, control distance, and keep the fight standing.

What Happens if Pereira Loses Again?

For all the excitement around his fiery mindset, the reality is that UFC 320 could be a do-or-die moment for Pereira at light heavyweight. Evans pointed out the harsh truth: if Pereira falls to 0-2 against Ankalaev, his days in the 205-pound division could be numbered.

“This is a big fight for him because if he doesn’t win this fight, then his next step, he’s probably going to have to leave light heavyweight and go up to heavyweight,” Evans said. “That would probably be the smartest move for him.”

The logic is clear. Pereira is already one of the biggest fighters at light heavyweight, cutting significant weight to make the limit. A move to heavyweight could offer him a fresh start, though it would also present a gauntlet of challenges against larger, stronger opponents.

But Evans isn’t ready to write him off. He believes Pereira has enough left in the tank to turn things around at 205—if he gets the job done against Ankalaev.

The Stakes at UFC 320

The rematch between Ankalaev and Pereira isn’t just another title fight—it’s a potential career-defining moment for both men.

For Ankalaev, a second victory would firmly establish him as the undisputed ruler of the division. Beating Pereira twice in a year would silence critics and elevate him into conversations about the most dominant champions in UFC history.

For Pereira, victory would be redemption. It would prove that his loss at UFC 313 was a fluke, that he can adapt, and that his time as champion is not over. More importantly, it would reignite his star power and keep him relevant as one of the UFC’s most marketable fighters.

Conclusion

Alex Pereira’s savage transformation ahead of UFC 320 is more than just fiery talk—it’s a signal that he’s willing to embrace the ruthless edge that once made him unstoppable. Whether this mindset shift will translate into victory remains to be seen, but the renewed intensity has already reshaped the narrative of this rematch.

With Rashad Evans backing his chances, a proven team in his corner, and a legacy on the line, Pereira enters UFC 320 with everything to gain—and everything to lose. If he can channel his savagery into a strategic, disciplined performance, the stage could be set for one of the most memorable title upsets in recent history.