Pereira to Cut Nearly 30 Pounds for Ankalaev Rematch

Alex Pereira will attempt to regain the UFC light heavyweight title on October 4 in Las Vegas, but the Brazilian enters the rematch with Magomed Ankalaev facing a high-stakes battle with the scale as well as the champion. With two weeks remaining before UFC 320, footage and reports from Pereira and his camp show the former champion tipping the scales at roughly 234 pounds, meaning he must shed about 29 pounds to make the 205 pound limit for the rematch at T Mobile Arena.

Pereira lost the belt to Ankalaev by unanimous decision in March at UFC 313. Since that defeat the Brazilian has relocated to Las Vegas to finish preparations, training alongside former light heavyweight champion Glover Teixeira. Teixeira told the Overdogs Brasil podcast that Pereira, known as Poatan, is in peak physical condition and mentally focused, predicting a more aggressive approach in the rematch. "The first round will be brutal," Teixeira said. "Poatan will be pressing the entire time because he's ready for it." He added that Pereira appears ready for five rounds and that the camp will refine timing over the final weeks.

The exact pre-weigh-in figure varies across videos and reports, with some clips...