Overview

• Speaking at an open workout in Las Vegas, Magomed Ankalaev said Alex Pereira felt "too slippery" at UFC 313, aligning with his coach's prior suggestion.
• Ankalaev added that injuries limited his wrestling preparation for the first bout, which ended with him 0-for-12 on takedown attempts.
• Their March meeting resulted in a unanimous decision for Ankalaev and the light heavyweight title, with the rematch set for October 4 at T-Mobile Arena.
• Pereira told TMZ he is now healthy for the rematch and said Ankalaev "looks a little bit scared."
• The rivalry intensified with a verbal exchange at the UFC Performance Institute and dueling claims about whether one fighter avoided the other.