Magomed Anakalev: Alex Pereira title loss ‘must have been the worst day of my life’ - MMA Fighting
UFC fighter Magomed Ankalaev discusses his recovery and mindset following a devastating knockout loss to Alex Pereira. He is preparing for his return to the octagon at UFC Abu Dhabi after a period of self-reflection.
Why it matters
High-profile athlete performance and recovery narratives are central to the commercial success and fan engagement of professional combat sports.
Magomed Ankalaev is ready for brighter days ahead after one of the darkest times of his career.
The former UFC light heavyweight champion makes his first walk to the octagon in 2026 when he faces short-notice replacement opponent Bogdan Guskov in the headliner of Saturday’s UFC Abu Dhabi event. It will serve as Ankalaev’s first fight since losing the title to Alex Pereira via an 80-second knockout at UFC 320 this past August in their rematch.
Ahead of his return, Ankalaev reflects on the loss to “Poatan.”
“It must have been the worst day of my life, I could say,” Ankalaev told MMA Fighting via a Russian translator. “I lost the fight, I lost the belt, and it was really hard for me to get back here. But the time has been taken, the work’s been down, and I’m back a different person.
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