Alex Pereira is in good spirits in the aftermath of UFC 313 despite losing his light heavyweight title to Magomed Ankalaev.
In his first statement since exciting the octagon after a unanimous decision defeat to Ankalaev (21-1-1 MMA, 12-1-1 UFC) on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Pereira (12-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) maintained a positive attitude about his spectacular run as champion coming to an end.
“That’s it, everyone. Some marks. But I’m good,” Pereira said in a video statement on Instagram. “Going to rest a bit. I’ll be back, like I’ve always done. This has already happened (before). Life continues.”
Pereira repeatedly reiterated that he was grateful for his supporters and those who are standing by him during a difficult moment. When he spoke to Joe Rogan in the octagon after the fight, Pereira appeared somewhat frustrated the decision didn’t go his way, and felt Ankalaev was “boring.”
Ankalaev, meanwhile, said post-fight at UFC 313 that Pereira spent 20 minutes of the five-round fight “running away,” then offered an immediate rematch. UFC CEO Dana White said that was “probably” the next move, and it appears that’s what Pereira expects, too.
“Thank you to my team,” Pereira said. “Gonna make some adjustments for the rematch, and I’ll be back much better. You can count on it. Never give up on your dreams. Chama.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 313.
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