The countdown to UFC 320 has entered its final stretch, and once again, all eyes are on Alex Pereira. Known for his devastating knockout power and his ability to rise to the occasion, the Brazilian superstar has introduced a new layer of intrigue ahead of his rematch with Magomed Ankalaev. In a recent video, Pereira revealed that while he has been posting intense training clips online, he has only been showing “5%” of his actual preparation. The comment instantly set off waves of speculation across the MMA community: is Pereira engaging in mind games with his Russian rival, or is he truly hiding the best part of his camp until fight night?
Pereira’s Bold Claim: Only 5% Revealed
The former light heavyweight champion, who lost his title to Ankalaev at UFC 313, has been working tirelessly for redemption. His social media has been filled with clips of striking drills, grueling conditioning, and tactical sessions with his renowned coaches. Yet Pereira insists that the real work is happening behind closed doors.
“Sometimes people say I’m showing too much, but I’m only showing 5%,” Pereira said, smiling into the camera.
For fans and analysts, this statement adds an extra edge to the upcoming fight. If the footage that already looks so impressive represents just a fraction of his actual preparation, then what kind of version of Poatan will show up in Las Vegas on October 4? The uncertainty plays directly into the narrative of this rematch: an unpredictable striker versus a composed and disciplined champion.
Redemption on the Line
Pereira’s loss at UFC 313 was a crushing moment for his supporters. After a string of victories at light heavyweight—including stoppages of Jiri Prochazka, Jamahal Hill, and Khalil Rountree—he seemed destined to dominate the division. But Ankalaev’s well-rounded skillset and grinding approach neutralized Pereira’s striking and handed him a unanimous decision defeat.
Now, the Brazilian enters UFC 320 not just fighting for a belt, but for his legacy. A second loss to Ankalaev would mark a serious roadblock in his bid to establish himself as one of the greatest multi-division champions in UFC history. On the other hand, reclaiming the title would instantly reestablish him among the pound-for-pound elite and prove that his first loss was simply a misstep, not a decline.
The Curse of the Fallen Champion
In the lead-up to the rematch, some fans have pointed out the so-called “curse” of champions who fail to win back their belts. High-profile names like Israel Adesanya and Sean O’Malley have struggled in rematches, reinforcing the idea that once a belt is lost, it’s nearly impossible to regain.
Pereira, however, is not just any fighter. His track record across kickboxing and MMA shows an unusual resilience and adaptability. In kickboxing, he suffered setbacks but always bounced back stronger. In MMA, he shocked the world by knocking out Adesanya to capture the middleweight crown in just his fourth UFC fight. For many of his fans, these experiences are proof that he has the mentality and skill to defy the odds again.
Pereira’s Mind Games: Psychological Warfare Before UFC 320
By suggesting he’s hiding 95% of his camp, Pereira may be attempting to plant seeds of doubt in Ankalaev’s mind. Fighters often use mental tactics to gain even the smallest advantage before stepping into the cage. If Ankalaev begins to wonder what surprises Pereira has in store, that doubt could influence his preparation or decision-making on fight night.
Psychological warfare has always been a part of MMA. Legends like Anderson Silva and Conor McGregor mastered the art of unsettling opponents before a single punch was thrown. While Pereira is not typically known for trash talk, this subtle tactic of mystery and secrecy could be his way of getting under Ankalaev’s skin.
A Fighter’s Grind: Pereira’s Relentless Training
Even though he claims only a small portion of his training is public, what fans have seen is still remarkable. Pereira’s striking remains razor sharp, his footwork looks more fluid than ever, and his strength and conditioning work has drawn admiration from coaches and fighters alike.
At age 38, maintaining such a high level of performance is no easy feat. Yet Pereira continues to prove that discipline and dedication can defy age. His massive frame and fight-ending power make him one of the most feared athletes in the UFC, and fans are eager to see how his preparation translates against Ankalaev’s style.
Slowing Down the Schedule After UFC 320
Interestingly, Pereira has also admitted that his hectic schedule in 2024 may have contributed to his downfall. That year, he fought three times, defending his title in high-stakes bouts and earning the distinction of Fighter of the Year. Looking back, he acknowledged that perhaps he took on too much.
“Looking back, maybe if I had planned things better, I wouldn’t have been as active as I was. It’s really about opportunity — if something comes up, maybe I’ll take it, but… I don’t think so,” Pereira explained.
The comment suggests that after UFC 320, fans might not see him as frequently inside the octagon. Instead, he may adopt a more measured approach, choosing only the biggest fights rather than staying overly active. This shift could help extend his career and allow him to remain a top contender well into his 40s.
The Stakes for UFC 320
For Magomed Ankalaev, this fight is about validation. Though he is the current UFC light heavyweight champion, many critics argue that his style, while effective, is not particularly exciting. Beating Pereira a second time would silence doubters and establish him as the undisputed king of the division.
For Pereira, the stakes are even higher. A victory means redemption, legacy, and the chance to cement his status as one of the greatest fighters of his era. A loss, however, could mark the beginning of a decline, especially with younger contenders like Aleksandar Rakic and Jan Blachowicz still hungry for opportunities.
Conclusion: Mind Games or Reality?
Whether Alex Pereira’s claim of showing only 5% of his training is genuine or simply psychological warfare, it has successfully added intrigue to an already compelling storyline. Fans now wonder not just about his physical preparation, but also about what surprises he may unveil when the cage door closes.
As the clock ticks down to UFC 320, one thing is certain: Pereira remains one of the most fascinating and unpredictable fighters in the sport. Between his history of defying expectations, his legendary striking, and his ability to bounce back from setbacks, “Poatan” has everything to make his rematch with Magomed Ankalaev one of the defining moments of 2025.
