Chael Sonnen reacts to Alex Pereira's Shocking Defeat against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313



Magomed Ankalaev’s victory over Alex Pereira at UFC 313 may have closed one chapter. However, according to Chael Sonnen, it could open the door to something even bigger.

While many fans are calling for a rematch, Sonnen believes Pereira’s future lies in the heavyweight division. He argues that Pereira's performance, despite the loss, had a silver lining.

His kickboxing was on point, and his wrestling defense impressed everyone. Losing to Ankalaev, according to Sonnen, may seem like a setback, but it might be the catalyst for a historic move.

Sonnen suggests that rather than chasing another light heavyweight title shot, Pereira should aim for an unprecedented third championship in a third weight class. Reflecting on Pereira's path in the aftermath of UFC 313, Sonnen said:

"I really thought the performance was impressive. I think it’s the best I’ve seen Pereira look in many ways. He lost the boxing part, but if it’s kickboxing, he won the kicking part. He nullified the grappling aspect down to zero... That’s a skill we didn’t know he had."

He added:


"I think we're going to see Pereira up at heavyweight. In my lifetime, it’s unlikely that we see a champ-champ-champ. It’s unlikely, but it’s possible. At least for current times and all of history, it's only possible with one guy, and it’s him [Pereira]... The mere idea of a poster dropping, and it’s Pereira on one side and it’s Tom Aspinall on the other. The mere idea of that poster dropping is a lot more exciting for me as a fan than the poster of the rematch of Pereira-Ankalaev."

Check out Chael Sonnen's comments below (3:00):

 

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