Alex Pereira, a dominant force in the UFC, is gearing up for his fourth title defense at UFC 313 against the highly skilled Magomed Ankalaev. Pereira, known for his striking power and unshakable confidence, has proven himself time and time again inside the octagon. However, as the fight date draws near, many fans and experts are raising concerns about Pereira’s lack of training in the buildup to this critical showdown. Fans are starting to wonder: Can the reigning champion defend his title if he’s not fully committed to his preparation? UFC 313 is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in Pereira’s career, and the questions surrounding his readiness are only growing louder.

The Stakes: Pereira Faces a Hungry Challenger

At UFC 313, set for March 8, 2025, in Las Vegas, Alex Pereira will face the dangerous Magomed Ankalaev in the main event. Pereira, undefeated at light heavyweight, is one of the most feared strikers in the UFC today. However, his opponent, Ankalaev, enters the fight with an astonishing record of 22-1, having only lost once in his career—a controversial submission defeat to Paul Craig in 2018. The Russian fighter is known for his methodical approach and high-level striking, making him a serious threat to Pereira’s reign. As the odds tilt in Ankala’s favor, fans are wondering if Pereira’s current distractions will affect his chances of retaining his title.

Daniel Cormier Sounds the Alarm: ‘Pereira Better Get Home’

Former UFC champion Daniel Cormier recently weighed in on Pereira’s training regimen, expressing concern over the champion’s lack of preparation. Cormier, who had the opportunity to interact with Pereira at the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas, has doubts about the champion’s level of focus in the lead-up to the fight.

“I ran into him at the PI last week, and honestly, he doesn’t seem as locked in as Ankalaev,” Cormier said. “He’s been doing appearances and social media stuff, and not enough training. Pereira better get home right now. He needs to make sure he’s focused because this is going to be his hardest fight yet.”

For Cormier, the issue is not just physical training; it’s the mental side of the game. Pereira, a well-known social media sensation and global superstar, has seen his fame skyrocket since entering the UFC. However, at the highest level of competition, distractions can be the difference between winning and losing. Ankalaev, on the other hand, has been training in isolation, free from the distractions that can accompany fame. Cormier believes that this difference in preparation could be pivotal when the two fighters meet in the octagon.

Chael Sonnen Calls Out Pereira’s Lack of Focus

Another influential voice in the UFC community, Chael Sonnen, echoed Cormier’s concerns, stating that Pereira’s increasing fame may be compromising his focus. According to Sonnen, Pereira has become increasingly visible outside of the octagon, participating in media tours, attending public events, and posting frequently on social media. While this has elevated his status, Sonnen believes it’s detrimental to his fight preparations.

“The whole thing is very concerning,” Sonnen said on the Good Guy/Bad Guy podcast. “You’ve got Ankalaev locked down in the mountains, training with the same people, eating the same food, and doing no media. Meanwhile, Pereira is out there with his tours and skits and not in the gym enough. Ankalaev is hungry and locked in, and that could make all the difference.”

Sonnen compares Pereira’s situation to that of Stipe Miocic, who was known for his intense focus and commitment to his training regimen. Miocic, a former UFC heavyweight champion, rarely strayed from his routine, often limiting his media appearances and prioritizing his workouts. For Sonnen, this level of dedication is what sets elite fighters apart. Ankalaev, who has remained largely out of the spotlight, could very well have the advantage in this fight if Pereira is not fully committed.

Ankalaev: A Quiet Force, Locked In for Victory

While Pereira has been busy with public appearances, Magomed Ankalaev has been quietly preparing for the fight of his life. The Caucasus region has been his training ground, where he’s been perfecting his craft in isolation. Ankalaev’s decision to keep a low profile has been praised by many, and it seems to be paying off. The Russian fighter has spent the past year focusing on his training, avoiding unnecessary distractions. As Pereira takes part in promotional events and social media campaigns, Ankalaev has been quietly sharpening his skills, ready to prove himself on the biggest stage.

For Ankalaev, this fight represents an opportunity to cement his legacy as one of the best in the division. After his controversial draw with Jan Blachowicz in 2022, Ankalaev is more determined than ever to claim the light heavyweight title. His hunger and focus could give him the mental edge over a distracted Pereira.

The Mental Game: Why Pereira Needs to Stay Focused

As both Cormier and Sonnen have pointed out, the mental game is just as important as physical preparation in the UFC. The pressure of being a champion can often cloud a fighter’s judgment, and distractions can lead to disastrous outcomes. Pereira has already proven he has the physical tools to defeat some of the best fighters in the world, but if his mental focus isn’t sharp, Ankalaev could take advantage of any openings.

Pereira’s ability to withstand pressure and maintain focus will be key in his defense against Ankalaev’s relentless pursuit. The challenger has no distractions, only the goal of dethroning the champion. This could make Ankalaev an even more dangerous opponent for Pereira, who might be feeling the weight of his fame.

A History of Dominance: Pereira’s Record at Light Heavyweight

Despite the concerns over his training, Pereira remains undefeated at light heavyweight, boasting a flawless 5-0 record in the division. His power and technical prowess have carried him to the top, with his most notable win being a knockout victory over Jiri Prochazka. However, Pereira’s only loss in the UFC came against Israel Adesanya, a defeat that continues to haunt him.

As impressive as his record is, Pereira is not invincible. He has vulnerabilities, especially when facing a fighter as skilled and disciplined as Ankalaev. If Pereira is not mentally prepared for this fight, his undefeated record could quickly be shattered.

Final Thoughts: Can Pereira Overcome the Pressure?

As UFC 313 approaches, the questions surrounding Pereira’s preparation grow more pressing. Fans are anxious to see whether the champion can rise to the occasion or whether Ankalaev will expose the cracks in his preparation.

Pereira has overcome adversity in the past, but this time, the stakes are higher. He faces a hungry, focused opponent who has everything to prove. The question now is whether Pereira can handle the pressure—both the physical demands of the fight and the distractions of his celebrity status.

Bold Prediction: Will Pereira’s Social Life Be His Kryptonite?

With the fight fast approaching, Pereira has one last chance to prove that he is more than just a social media star. He must show the world that he is still the fierce competitor who conquered the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions. If he can stay focused and train with the intensity needed to defend his title, he may just silence the doubters. But if he continues to let the distractions of fame interfere with his preparations, he could find himself dethroned by the hungry and determined Magomed Ankalaev. The world will soon find out if Pereira can rise to the challenge or if his distractions will finally catch up with him. UFC fans are holding their breath, awaiting the showdown of the year.