White says Ankalaev-Pereira rematch 'probably' next
UFC CEO Dana White says he will likely book an immediate rematch between newly crowned light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira after UFC 313.
Ankalaev wrested the 205-pound title from Pereira on Saturday night in Las Vegas, winning the highly anticipated main event via unanimous decision.
"Probably," White said at the postfight press conference when asked if a rematch would be next.
Pereira, one of the biggest stars in the promotion, had held the belt since November 2023 and successfully defended it three times. The 37-year-old Brazilian is also a former middleweight champion.
Ankalaev said he's willing to give Pereira another crack at him right away.
"I never pick my opponents, so I'm very much happy and ready for a rematch," Ankalaev said through an interpreter. "Whenever UFC offers it to us - we'll see what the date is - we'll be happy to accept it."
Ankalaev, the third Dagestani champion in UFC history, failed to secure any takedowns but outstruck Pereira to win the fight and extend his unbeaten streak to 14.
White said he expected the fight to play out differently, but he agreed with the judges.
"I thought Ankalaev won the fight," White said. "I wasn't shocked when I heard the decision."