Former Middleweight Champion Predicts Alex Pereira Will Avenge Loss Against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320

This weekend, UFC 320 will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with Alex Pereira facing Magomed Ankalaev. Both light heavyweights meet for the second time, as Ankalaev previously defeated Pereira to capture the championship at UFC 313. Heading into the bout, the Russian is the betting favorite, credited to his undefeated streak and impressive performance in his previous fight.

Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev fight predictions by Dricus Du Plessis

In the last bout, Ankalaev used his wrestling threat and constant pressure to keep the Brazilian from unleashing his striking. Although ‘Poatan’ defended all 12 takedown attempts, he got dominated on the feet and ultimately lost the bout. Many experts believe that the same will happen once again, but former middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis has a different opinion.

“Ankalaev was smart in the first fight to stay out the way and then get all the way in to smother him and put him on the back foot….But they now know Ankalaev’s gonna close that gap. I know Ankalaev said he’s gonna strike with him, I don’t think that’s a good idea, I really don’t see this fight going the distance this time and I’m putting my money on Pereira,” said Du Plessis.

Dricus Du Plessis picks Alex Pereira to beat Magomed Ankalaev at #UFC320

"I know Ankalaev said he's gonna strike with Alex. I don't think that's a good idea. I don't really see this fight going the distance this time. I'm putting my money on Pereira to reclaim the title."

(via… pic.twitter.com/JsIiSzKdY2
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) October 1, 2025

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The rivalry between Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev

Ahead of the fight, Pereira is focused on improving his takedown defense, training with several partners to sharpen his skills. However, Ankalaev dismissed those preparations, claiming they are unnecessary because the fight will remain standing and decided on the feet. The newly crowned champion vowed to knock out Pereira, promising to settle their rivalry definitively in this highly anticipated rematch.

The trash talk between both fighters has intensified, with Ankalaev repeatedly mocking Pereira on X, fueling their heated rivalry. Recently, both fighters crossed paths at the UFC PI, where a fiery verbal altercation erupted, quickly going viral online. Due to the language barrier, they amusingly relied on Google Translate during the exchange, making the confrontation both intense and hilarious.

Magomed Ankalaev is already looking past Pereira and has talked about potentially moving up and becoming a double champion. On the other hand, the Brazilian believes Ankalaev is a boring fighter and that he will end his reign this weekend. It will be interesting to see who comes out as the winner this weekend at UFC 320.