UFC Shanghai headliner Zhang Mingyang has expressed concerns about Alex Pereira’s chances against Magomed Ankalaev in their highly anticipated rematch at UFC 320 on October 4.
Pereira, the current light heavyweight champion, lost his title to Ankalaev in a disappointing five-round fight last March. A rematch was always likely and is now set to take place, with Zhang predicting that Pereira’s wealth will be a major obstacle to victory.
According to Zhang, Pereira has become “too rich” and lacks motivation as he continues to earn significant amounts of money from fighting. This decline in motivation, similar to what has been seen in Conor McGregor’s recent career slump, has led Zhang to doubt Pereira’s ability to defeat Ankalaev.
Zhang, who is set to headline UFC Shanghai against Johnny Walker on August 23, believes that if “Poatan” can regain his earlier form, he still has the skill and power to beat Ankalaev. However, for now, Zhang thinks Ankalaev will come out on top due to Pereira’s lack of motivation.
The loss could prove costly for Pereira, who had previously achieved two-division glory in record time just two years after his debut. With a win over Ankalaev in the rematch, Pereira would have the chance to regain his title and add to his impressive UFC résumé.
Source: https://bloodyelbow.com/2025/08/22/alex-pereira-predicted-to-lose-to-magomed-ankalaev-due-to-the-same-issue-some-say-caused-conor-mcgregor-decline