Pereira backs Costa to seize UFC light heavyweight shot by overwhelming Ankalaev

Alex Pereira has thrown his weight behind fellow Brazilian Paulo Costa in a potential matchup with Magomed Ankalaev, arguing that Costa’s aggression will be the decisive factor — provided he commits to it fully.

With UFC light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg sidelined by injury, both Costa and Ankalaev are manoeuvring for a title opportunity. Speaking to Laerte Viana, Pereira was direct in his assessment of how the fight would need to unfold.

“I think ‘Borrachinha’ [wins],” Pereira said. “He’s more aggressive. I think ‘Borrachinha’ would do better. If he stays there like will he or won’t he [hesitant], then it will be a fairly even fight. You don’t know who takes it. But if he imposes his game, his rhythm, I think he takes it.”

The caveat is significant. Pereira, who holds the nickname “Poatan” and knows Costa well from the Brazilian MMA scene, is not offering a blanket endorsement — he is staking his prediction on Costa’s willingness to dictate the tempo from the opening bell. A passive Costa, in his view, hands Ankalaev a genuine chance.

The backdrop to any potential booking is already fractious. Costa (16-4) and Ankalaev (21-2-1, 1 NC) have traded barbs on social media, with the Dagestani contender accusing Costa of turning down multiple fight offers. Costa, for his part, has publicly pushed back against the UFC’s proposed terms, stating he intends to fulfil the one fight remaining on his current contract before discussing anything further.

That contractual standoff adds an extra layer of uncertainty to whether the matchup materialises at all. Ankalaev has been one of the division’s most consistent performers, and his record reflects a fighter who rarely loses — making Pereira’s conditional backing of Costa all the more pointed. The former light heavyweight champion is not dismissing Ankalaev; he is simply identifying the one variable that could tip the scales.