It looks like Alex Pereira has been putting in the work in Las Vegas to prepare for one of his career’s most important rematches. But his recent visit to the UFC Performance Institute proved to be more than just another training session. According to the former champion, something unexpected happened while he and his crew were leaving the gym, which made him question Magomed Ankalaev‘s mindset and the way the champ is carrying himself heading into UFC 320. What exactly happened?

Well, according to ‘Poatan,’ while walking out with his team, he saw members of Ankalaev’s group waiting around, but the Dagestani himself was nowhere to be seen. What truly struck him happened seconds later, when one of his teammates overheard a staff member announce that Ankalaev could finally come through because Alex Pereira had left.

Was Magomed Ankalaev avoiding Alex Pereira?

The Brazilian convinced that his rival was deliberately keeping his distance. He said in a video while still on his way back post-training, “He thinks I’m going to meet him and fight him there,” Pereira said, still baffled at the thought. “I’m a professional, but to hide in a room? That’s wild.” Things did not stop there. Not long after, Pereira saw a post from Magomed Ankalaev that poured fuel on the fire.

The champion had made a personal dig, ridiculing Pereira’s past life before fame. “You’re right, I’m not gonna have any say because you’re gonna be sleeping and on your way working at the tire shop again,” said Ankalaev. For Pereira, who used to work at a Brazilian tire shop before kickboxing and MMA changed his life, the jab was significant, especially after feeling disrespected during their first press conference months ago.

‘Poatan’ did not mince words while addressing both the avoidance at the P.I. and the insult online. “He’s a chump,” the Brazilian stated frankly. While he recognized that managers occasionally stir the pot, he specifically blamed Ankalaev this time. “Not because of what he says, but today he had to hide in a room. He showed that he’s a chump.”

At the same time, Pereira kept his focus on professionalism, clarifying, “I’m never going to mess with him. If he comes at me, I’ll defend myself. But outside the cage, I stay in my lane.” All of this just heightens their enmity as they prepare for their October 4 battle.

Alex Pereira is looking for redemption after losing his title in March, while Magomed Ankalaev hopes to extend his reign with another spectacular performance. With allegations of cowardice and personal insults thrown into the mix, the fight has evolved into one of pride rather than gold. However, for now, ‘Poatan’ cannot lose his focus. Especially when he walked into Las Vegas at 234 pounds.

Alex Pereira is huge ahead of Magomed Ankalaev rematch

If the tension between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev wasn’t already high enough, the Brazilian’s size adds another element to the drama. Walking around Las Vegas at 234 pounds, ‘Poatan’ appeared more like a heavyweight than a man determined to reach the 205-pound limit. For the Brazilian, however, the weight limit is familiar territory. In fact, it is a reminder of the massive frame and sheer power that have always separated him from his peers.

Questions about Pereira’s size have been raised before. Even as a middleweight, he overshadowed opponents before dropping to 185. He weighed 243 pounds earlier this year, fueling speculation that he would eventually compete at heavyweight. With just under two weeks remaining, the Brazilian must cut roughly 30 pounds once more. A difficult cut, but one he has proven time and again he can endure.

That physical presence could be his most powerful weapon when he ultimately confronts Ankalaev. The Russian champion depends mostly on grinding pressure and pace, but Pereira’s ability to carry knockout power across divisions has always given him a fighting chance. Managing this cut while maintaining his strength will determine whether he enters UFC 320 at his peak or if the strain of slimming down creates an opportunity for Ankalaev to exploit.