Looks like Alex Pereira won’t have to wait long to get his shot at redemption. After dropping the light heavyweight title to Magomed Ankalaev via unanimous decision at UFC 313 this past Saturday, Pereira’s already got a rematch in the works. The champ-turned-challenger went toe-to-toe with Ankalaev in the main event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, stuffing all 12 of Ankalaev’s takedown tries—but it wasn’t enough to sway the judges.

Pereira, now 12-3 (9-2 in the UFC), didn’t hide his frustration with Ankalaev’s approach, though he’s holding off on crying foul until he reviews the tape. “Of course it’s not the result I wanted,” Pereira said on his YouTube channel (h/t MMA Fighting). “We were confident for this fight. I was well. I trained hard. Some things happened, of course, but I don’t want to give excuses. I know we’ll have the rematch. We’re already in talks (for a rematch because of) everything I’ve done and the way the fight went. Many people contested (the decision) and were in doubt. I haven’t watched the fight yet. I’ll watch to have my opinion, (because) it’s hard to have an idea when you’re in there.”

Meanwhile, Ankalaev—riding high at 21-1-1 (12-1-1 in the UFC)—is all in for round two. He took to X to throw down the gauntlet: “I’m ready for Round 6, but this time will not go for full distant,” he wrote. “Let’s go guys ☎️☎️☎️☎️.” Sounds like he’s itching to finish what he started.

UFC boss Dana White’s already on board, hinting that Pereira vs. Ankalaev 2 is the next logical step. And honestly, it makes sense—Pereira’s track record and the close-call vibes from Saturday’s fight have fans buzzing. Whether Ankalaev can repeat or Pereira can reclaim his throne, this rematch is shaping up to be a must-watch. Stay tuned—I’ll have more once the ink’s dry on the date.