Dana White never matches fights in the 24 hours after an event.
However, his response to the possibility of a Alex Pereira vs Magomed Ankalaev rematch is a good indication that it will happen next.
GettyWhite will ‘probably’ make Ankalaev vs Pereira II next[/caption]
Ankalaev dethroned long-reigning UFC light heavyweight champion Pereira on Saturday night via unanimous decision with scorecards of 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47 in his favour.
Heading into the UFC 313 main event, many felt Ankalaev’s best chances of victory were on the ground, yet the Russian managed to outland the two-weight Glory Kickboxing champion on the feet and rack 5 minutes and 47 seconds of control time in the clinch.
Pereira had his moments and it was certainly close enough to warrant a sequel as White pointed out at his post-fight press conference.
Asked whether Pereira and Ankalaev would run back their fight immediately, White responded: “Probably.”
The idea was welcomed by Ankalaev, who accused Pereira of ‘running away from him for 20 minutes’.
“I was confident [I had won]. I kept moving forward, I kept pressuring him.
“And he kept running away from me for 20 minutes, this guy was running away from me.
“I heard after the fight that he wasn’t sure why the victory was given to me.
“Who is supposed to be given the victory? I was pressuring the entire time, he was running for 20 minutes, and then he is wondering who should have got the victory.
“Listen, I am happy for a rematch if he wants a rematch.
“But maybe in a rematch he can fight for real and run away the entire time…
“I never pick my opponents so I’m very much happy and ready for a rematch.
“Whenever the UFC offers it to us, we will see what the date is and we will be happy to accept it.”
Pereira is also open to the idea. Taking to social media a couple of hours after the third defeat of his professional MMA career, Pereira said in a video message: “That’s it everyone, some marks but I am good.
“I’m going to rest a bit but I will be back like I have always done.
“This has already happened sometimes but I’m good.
GettyHe is now the new UFC light heavyweight champion[/caption]
“I’m grateful for all your support, for all your love, always supporting me.
“I’m receiving so many messages of great encouragement. I’m here with my people, my family, my team, my children, everyone’s here with me.
“I’m going to have some pizza, that is that. Life continues. Thank you to everyone.
“Thank you to my team. I’m going to make some adjustments for the rematch and I’ll be back much better.
“You can count on it. Never give up on your dreams, chama.”
