Pereira: Costa Beats Ankalaev With Pressure, Aggression

Alex Pereira says Paulo Costa can beat Magomed Ankalaev in a potential light heavyweight matchup if he fights like the aggressor he's always been. With champion Carlos Ulberg out with an injury, Costa and Ankalaev are the two names circling the vacant opportunity at 205 pounds, and Pereira has picked a side.

"I think 'Borrachinha' [wins]," Pereira told Laerte Viana. "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."

Why Pereira's Pick Matters

Pereira isn't just a bystander here. He's the UFC's reigning light heavyweight attraction and a fellow Brazilian who has watched Costa's style up close for years. His read is simple: Costa (16-4) wins the fight he's built for, the forward-marching, swinging-for-the-fences version of himself, not a cautious one trying to out-point a southpaw striker like Ankalaev (21-2-1, 1 NC). Ankalaev made his name as a counter-striker and grappler who controls distance and tempo, exactly the kind of fight Pereira warns Costa against letting happen. If Costa sits back and waits for openings, Pereira sees a toss-up. If he presses forward from the opening bell, Pereira likes his countryman's chances.

The Path to a Title Shot Isn't Settled

Costa and Ankalaev still don't have a fight agreed to, and the path to a 205-pound title opportunity remains murky with Ulberg sidelined. The two have been trading jabs on social media, with Ankalaev accusing Costa of ducking him through multiple offers. Costa, for his part, has pushed back on the UFC's proposed terms for his next bout, insisting he wants to fulfill the single fight remaining on his current contract rather than re-sign on the promotion's terms. Until that contract standoff clears up, any Costa-Ankalaev pairing stays speculative, even with Pereira stumping for it publicly.

Bettors should treat this one as a watch-and-wait situation rather than a market to attack. No fight is official, so there's no line to price yet, but the stylistic matchup Pereira described is worth remembering once odds do open. A version of Costa who walks Ankalaev down and makes him fight off his back foot is a live underdog angle against a technician who prefers to dictate range. A passive Costa, by contrast, plays right into Ankalaev's hands as the much longer, more live wire countering target. How sportsbooks eventually price this fight will likely hinge on which version of Costa shows up in camp, and his contract fight could be the deciding factor in whether this matchup happens at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Alex Pereira pick a winner between Paulo Costa and Magomed Ankalaev?

Yes, Alex Pereira said he favors Paulo Costa to beat Magomed Ankalaev if Costa fights aggressively and imposes his pace, calling it a close fight otherwise.

Is Paulo Costa vs. Magomed Ankalaev an official UFC fight?

No official fight between Paulo Costa and Magomed Ankalaev has been booked. The matchup has circulated as a possibility with UFC light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg out injured, but Costa is also in a contract dispute with the UFC over his final fight.

Why is Carlos Ulberg not defending his UFC light heavyweight title right now?

Carlos Ulberg is sidelined by injury, which has opened up discussion about a possible interim or title-eliminator matchup between Paulo Costa and Magomed Ankalaev.