Alex Pereira’s ascent to light heavyweight dominance — marked by five straight wins, four knockout title fights, and victories over former champions — had built an aura of invincibility.
At UFC 313, however, Magomed Ankalaev dismantled that perception, ending Pereira’s reign in a decisive five-round encounter.
While the fight remained competitive, Pereira appeared uncharacteristically passive, often yielding ground to Ankalaev’s relentless pressure and cage control.
UFC color commentator Michael Bisping discussed Pereira’s performance on the Believe You Me podcast, with fellow analyst Paul Felder voicing strong criticism. “The Irish Dragon” called out Pereira for what he perceived as a lack of urgency.
“He never really opened up,” Felder said of Alex Pereira. “I was getting — I don’t wanna say mad, I’m not his coach, I’m not a training partner — but as a fan of the guy and somebody that I like to see perform, I was p*ssed off, dude.
“I agree that it was a bit lazy and one-sided on his part for a guy that’s got dynamite and apparently rocks in those hands,” Felder continued. “He never let them go. That’s just lazy.”
