Alex Pereira attempts to retake title from Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320

LAS VEGAS: Before Alex Pereira’s loss to Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 in March, it looked as if the Brazilian knockout artist had given in to the temptations that come with being the sport’s most marketable fighter.
At times, it became a common joke among fans and fighters about how visible Pereira was during his camp.
At UFC 320 on Saturday, Pereira will get what could very well be the final chance in his storied career to reclaim the light heavyweight title belt. Since Ankalaev (20-1-1, 1 no contest) beat Pereira (12-3-0) earlier this year, some visible bad blood has festered between the fighters in their interactions.
With his reputation at risk and with a fighter who clearly irritates him holding the title he recently elevated to prominence, Pereira steps into the Saturday fight with a hunger that was missing in March.

Even if Pereira, 38, blames it on injuries rather than the lifestyle he led in the months before the fight.
After the first bout, Pereira claimed he fought at just 40 percent of his usual capabilities. Ahead of the second matchup, he won’t reveal just how healthy he is, but he made it clear that it shouldn’t be used as an excuse this time around.
“I took this time off to rest, to take care of myself and to heal some injuries,” Pereira said.

“I can tell you that I’m going to be very good in this fight. I can’t tell you an exact percentage, but I can tell you I’m going to be doing well.
“I don’t think (I feel a chip on my shoulder).

Obviously, I’m here to win. We can’t control everything, but I’m here to win.

In the last fight, I wasn’t able to show a lot. This time, I had time to really prepare, and I think I’m going to be able to show everything that I’ve improved and everything I’ve been learning.”
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