Dana White reacts to Alex Pereira against Magomed Ankalaev, reveals the revenge match “ probably ” ‘

Magomed Ankalaev won the Light Title of Trucks with a unanimous victory over Alex Pereira in the main UFC 313 event, but was there a controversy with these score cards?

Not according to the CEO of the UFC, Dana White, who was not blown away by the action during the fight at five laps, but he did not believe that there was a kind of theft when it was finished. The difference was really summed up in Ankalaev marking a Knockdown almost in the second round, constantly doing pressure on Pereira, then using the melee to control it against the cage to ensure victory.

“This was not what I expected,” said White about the fight at the post-combat press conference at UFC 313. “I expected many more shooting, I expected many more exchanges.

“I thought Ankalaev had won the fight. I was not shocked when I heard the decision. »»

Even if he trusted Ankalaev deserving victory, White also admitted that Pereira was a big champion and making him go back to a lot of sense.

“Probably (an immediate revenge match),” said White.

Before the event, Pereira faced many questions about her activity outside the cage after going to Australia to get in Sean Strickland for his fight at UFC 312 while respecting some promotional events.

The veterans of the UFC, Daniel Cormier and Matt Brown, both raised concerns concerning the Pereira calendar and possibly to be distracted by undoubtedly leading one of the most difficult fights of his career against Ankalaev.

For his part, White cannot say with certainty if Pereira was distracted leading to his last defense of the title, but he knows in history that it is difficult for superstars to maintain the same kind of discipline and dedication after reaching the top of the mountain.

“I think it’s a question for him to answer,” said White about Pereira. “I really don’t know his schedule. I know he is bouncing, but you see it everywhere when someone becomes a big star, and they are starting to earn a lot of money. There are many different doors that open and opportunities.

“But there is no doubt that everyone knew that Ankalaev was going to be a difficult fight for him. Everyone knew it was probably going to be the greatest challenge in their career. »»

Whether Pereira was concentrated on 100% and ready or not, White refused to reduce the performance of Ankalaev because he developed a winning strategy to beat “Poatan” on Saturday.

It was perhaps not a barnburner or an instant classic, but Ankalaev brought the fight to Pereira and finally gave him a defeat to unanimous after five laps in the cage.

“I would not take anything from Ankalaev and the pressure he exerted on Alex tonight,” said White. “Continued to move forward, even in the fifth round, I listened to the headphones and Alex’s Corner said:” You have to go there. You have to let everything go. You should let your hands go. You have to try to take it out. “”