Dana White reacts to Alex Pereira title win
UFC CEO Dana White spoke to MMA Junkie and reporters at the UFC 320 post-fight press conference and talked Alex Pereira’s title win
Magomed Ankalaev is viewing his title loss at UFC 320 to Alex Pereira as an opportunity to grow.
In the main event rematch of UFC 320 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Ankalaev (21-2-1 MMA, 12-2-1 UFC) was stopped early in the first round by Pereira (13-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC), losing the light heavyweight title and ending a 13-fight run without a loss.
Sometimes, the loser of a main event title fight will have the opportunity to speak on the mic in the octagon with Joe Rogan, but Ankalaev did not get that chance after suffering his first TKO loss.
Sunday afternoon, Ankalaev released a statement on Instagram, reacting to the outcome.
“If Allah tested me with defeat, it means He wants to strengthen me,” Ankalaev wrote in Russian (translated by Instagram). “I bow to His will, but not to difficulties. To those who stayed by my side—thank you. To those who turned away—thank you too. After all, Allah clears the path not only of weakness, but also of unnecessary people.”
Ankalaev became UFC light heavyweight champion by defeating Pereira at UFC 313 in March. However, his attempt to defend the crown only lasted 80 seconds of fight time, as Pereira approached the rematch with much more aggression from the start.
