MMA analyst Chael Sonnen argues that Alex Pereira is making an error in judgment by seeking an immediate rematch with Magomed Ankalaev.
Pereira recently lost his light heavyweight championship to Ankalaev at UFC 313. Prior to this fight, discussions revolved around Pereira potentially moving to heavyweight. However, after the defeat, a rematch with Ankalaev seems likely. Sonnen disagrees with this rematch idea.
Sonnen, speaking on Submission Radio, expressed his admiration for Pereira but stated he sees no reason to expect a different outcome in a rematch based on their first fight. He believes that even considering potential issues Pereira might have had, the fight`s nature doesn`t suggest a rematch will be different.
Sonnen emphasized the one-sided nature of the fight, scoring it 4-1 in rounds for Ankalaev. He acknowledged Pereira`s takedown defense as a positive surprise, but overall, he felt the fight was not competitive and slow-paced. Sonnen argues there`s no evidence to suggest later rounds or a rematch would favor Pereira.
Sonnen questions why people assume Pereira would learn more from the first fight than Ankalaev. He points out that Ankalaev, whose takedowns were defended, is likely to make adjustments and improve his strategy in a rematch, especially in ground control, where he dominated.
Pereira sees the rematch as a chance to redeem himself, citing issues he faced before the first fight that almost led to his withdrawal. He believes better preparation will lead to a different outcome. However, Sonnen thinks Pereira is overlooking a bigger opportunity at heavyweight.
Sonnen considers the rematch both surprising and risky for Pereira. He clarifies that Pereira`s move to light heavyweight wasn`t due to dominance at middleweight, but rather after losing his middleweight title, which freed him to move weight classes.
Sonnen argues that Pereira didn`t need to defeat Ankalaev to move to heavyweight; a loss actually opens up that path. He believes Pereira should seize the heavyweight opportunity, possibly facing the winner of Jones vs. Aspinall. He thinks the first fight was close enough and Pereira showed positives, suggesting he should move on. A second consecutive loss to Ankalaev, however, could be detrimental to Pereira`s image.
A rematch between Pereira and Ankalaev is anticipated later this year, with both fighters indicating August as a possible timeframe.
Marcus Blakely