Dana White Says UFC Will 'Probably' Book Light Heavyweight Title Rematch

UFC boss Dana White suggested that Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira may meet again, with a rematch between the pair looking likely.

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Based in Rochester, England, Simon Head is a veteran sports editor who has covered sports for national and international outlets since 2000, and is one of the longest-tenured MMA journalists in the UK.

Since 2009, Simon has covered MMA for a host of major outlets across the world, including BBC Sport, BBC Three, MMA Junkie/USA Today, BT Sport, Daily Mirror, The Sun, and The National UAE, as well as providing official content to several of the world's top MMA organizations, including UFC, ONE Championship, Cage Warriors and the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF).

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UFC president and CEO Dana White said that newly crowned light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev will "probably" have to face Alex Pereira for the second time, in an immediate rematch.

Ankalaev defeated defending champion Pereira via unanimous decision at UFC 313 after going the full five rounds with the Brazilian knockout artist.

More news: Alex Pereira Issues Statement After Title Loss At UFC 313

Magomed Ankalaev of Russia reacts after defeating Alex Pereira of Brazil to win the Light Heavyweight Title during UFC 313 at T-Mobile Arena on March 08, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Magomed Ankalaev of Russia reacts after defeating Alex Pereira of Brazil to win the Light Heavyweight Title during UFC 313 at T-Mobile Arena on March 08, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ian Maule/Getty Images

Ankalaev's mix of striking and wrestling helped Ankalaev to earn scores of 49-46, 48-47, 48-47 from the three judges at cageside as the Russian extended his active win streak to 14 and reached the light heavyweight summit.

Speaking to reporters backstage after the event, UFC boss White explained that the bout didn't play out as he had expected, and that he thought that a rematch between the pair looked like the most likely next step.

"It was not what I expected," he said.

"I expected a lot more shooting (for takedowns), expected a lot more exchanges (on the feet)."

When asked specifically about the possibility of a rematch, White gave a one-word answer: "Probably."

White was also asked about Pereira's recent schedule, making appearances in Australia during a time when he could potentially have been deep into a training camp back home.

"That's a good question," he said.

"I think that's a question definitely for him to answer. I definitely don't know his schedule. I know he's been bouncing around, but you see this everywhere. When somebody becomes a big star and they start making lots of money, there are lots of different doors that open, and opportunities.

"But there's no doubt everybody knew that Ankalaev was going to be a tough fight for him. Everybody knew that this was going to be probably the biggest challenge of his career.

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"And, yeah, I wouldn't take anything away from Ankalaev, and the pressure that he put on Alex tonight, and, you know, he kept pushing forward, even in the fifth round.

"I was listening on the on the headphones. Alex's corner was saying, 'You gotta go after him this round. You have to let everything go. You gotta let your hands go. You gotta try to take him out.'"

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For more on the UFC, head to Newsweek Sports.

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