A Champion’s Unconventional Fight Camp Raises Doubts

With just weeks remaining before UFC 313, light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira finds himself at the center of controversy—not because of anything happening inside the cage, but rather due to his activities outside of it. As he prepares to defend his title against Magomed Ankalaev, questions are being raised about whether Pereira is taking this challenge seriously enough.

Pereira, a former two-division Glory kickboxing champion, has made a rapid and dominant rise in MMA. After capturing the UFC middleweight title in 2022, he moved up to light heavyweight, where he quickly claimed gold by defeating Ji?í Procházka. Now, just months into his reign, Pereira is facing one of the toughest matchups of his career—a skilled and durable fighter in Ankalaev, who hasn’t lost a fight since 2018. Despite the magnitude of this bout, Pereira has been spending significant time outside of training camp, raising concerns from analysts, former champions, and fans alike.

Rather than isolating himself for an intense, structured fight camp, Pereira has been making high-profile appearances. Just last week, he was in Australia, coaching Sean Strickland during his UFC 312 title defense. Shortly after, Pereira was seen attending a Drake concert, even making his way onto the stage alongside the global superstar. While these moments may seem insignificant, they suggest a level of distraction that many fighters would avoid so close to a championship bout.

Daniel Cormier Calls Out Pereira’s Lack of Focus

Former two-division champion Daniel Cormier has been one of the most vocal critics of Pereira’s approach. Cormier, who became known for his disciplined work ethic and structured fight camps, believes that a fighter at the highest level cannot afford to be anything less than fully committed in the weeks leading up to a title fight.

One of Cormier’s biggest concerns is that Magomed Ankalaev has been fully focused on this fight for weeks, already training in Las Vegas at the UFC Performance Institute. Ankalaev, who boasts one of the most complete skill sets in the light heavyweight division, has been fine-tuning his game plan and acclimating to the fight environment, while Pereira has been traveling across the globe.

Cormier also pointed out that long-distance travel and adjusting to different time zones could have a serious impact on Pereira’s preparation. Fighters often need several days to recover from jet lag and regain their peak performance levels. Every day spent outside of training camp is a day where recovery, conditioning, and strategy take a back seat.

While Pereira has built a reputation as a fighter who thrives under pressure, Cormier insists that elite-level preparation is not just about raw skill—it’s about discipline, structure, and consistency. The last few weeks of fight camp are crucial for mental and physical fine-tuning, and if Pereira’s attention is divided, it could make the difference between victory and defeat.

Ankalaev’s Strengths: Will He Stand and Trade or Wrestle?

Unlike Pereira, Magomed Ankalaev has taken a very different approach to this training camp. The Russian powerhouse, known for his elite sambo and striking skills, has been sharpening every aspect of his game.

Many analysts believe that Ankalaev’s grappling will be the key to victory. While Pereira has devastating knockout power, he has shown vulnerabilities against strong wrestlers in the past. Ankalaev, with his ability to control opponents on the ground, may look to take Pereira into deep waters and force him into uncomfortable positions.

However, there have been hints that Ankalaev is confident enough to stand and trade punches with the champion. Some believe this could be a psychological tactic, while others argue that Ankalaev’s striking—though not as technical as Pereira’s—could be effective if he neutralizes the Brazilian’s weapons.

One thing is certain: Ankalaev has been completely focused on this fight, with no distractions or outside commitments. If the fight goes into the later rounds, his conditioning and preparation could become a significant advantage.

Pereira’s Heavyweight Ambitions Could Be a Risk

While Pereira has an important title defense ahead of him, he has already begun talking about moving up to heavyweight. The champion has expressed interest in challenging for the heavyweight title, hoping to become the first fighter in UFC history to win titles in three different weight classes.

A potential fight against Jon Jones has been one of the most talked-about possibilities. Jones, the current heavyweight champion, has been out of action due to injury, but he has acknowledged that Pereira would be a worthy opponent if he decides to return.

Another potential option is Tom Aspinall, the UFC’s interim heavyweight champion. Aspinall has been vocal about wanting big fights, and a matchup against Pereira would be a high-profile clash between two of the most dangerous strikers in the sport.

However, thinking too far ahead can be a dangerous mindset in MMA. If Pereira underestimates Ankalaev and loses at UFC 313, his heavyweight ambitions could be put on hold indefinitely.

What’s at Stake at UFC 313?

The outcome of this fight will have massive implications for both men. If Pereira successfully defends his belt, it will solidify his reign as champion and potentially open the door to huge superfights in the heavyweight division. However, if he loses, questions will arise about whether his lack of focus played a role in his downfall.

For Ankalaev, this is the biggest fight of his career. A win would make him the undisputed light heavyweight champion, proving that his dominant run in the division was no fluke. If he can impose his will and control Pereira, he could usher in a new era in the light heavyweight division.

With just weeks remaining before fight night, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Will Pereira’s confidence and natural ability be enough to overcome a laser-focused Ankalaev, or will his unconventional preparation lead to his downfall? The answer will come inside the octagon at UFC 313.

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