Chael Sonnen Warns Alex Pereira: “You’re Making a Big Mistake”

The MMA world is still buzzing after Alex Pereira’s shocking title loss to Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313. While most fighters would take time off after such a devastating defeat, “Poatan” seems eager to jump right back into action—and Chael Sonnen has some strong opinions about it.

I’ve been covering the fight game for years, and let me tell you, fighters rarely make good decisions after losing their gold. It appears Pereira might be falling into that classic trap.

Sonnen Sounds the Alarm on Pereira’s Post-Loss Plans

In his latest YouTube analysis, the “American Gangster” Chael Sonnen didn’t hold back his criticism of the former double-champion’s apparent eagerness to return to competition without adequate recovery time.

“Alex is making a fundamental mistake we see time and time again,” Sonnen explained. “When you lose your title, especially in the fashion he did against Ankalaev, you need to reset. You need to heal—not just physically, but mentally.”

Sonnen, who knows a thing or two about championship fights, believes Pereira should take at least 4-6 months off to properly assess what went wrong against the Russian powerhouse.

What exactly happened at UFC 313? If you missed it (where were you?), Ankalaev shocked the world by dismantling Pereira with a dominant performance, eventually finishing him via TKO in the fourth round. It was a masterclass in neutralizing Pereira’s legendary striking through smart wrestling and patient ground control.

Is Pereira’s Quick Return Really a Mistake?

You might be wondering if Sonnen is overreacting. After all, Pereira’s meteoric rise through the UFC ranks has been built on his willingness to stay active, taking fights on short notice and competing frequently.

But this situation feels different. Here’s why Sonnen’s concern makes sense:

• Pereira absorbed significant damage against Ankalaev
• The psychological impact of losing a title requires adjustment
• Rushing back often leads to repeat losses (just ask Luke Rockhold)
• Pereira’s style relies on perfect timing and confidence

The History of Quick Comebacks After Title Losses

As you can see, the track record for quick returns isn’t great. Adesanya’s successful comeback is more exception than rule.

What Should Pereira Do Instead?

I’ve watched enough champions fall and rise to know there’s a pattern to successful comebacks. If I were in Pereira’s corner, I’d recommend:

1. Take at least 4 months completely off from fight camp training
2. Focus on addressing the specific weaknesses Ankalaev exploited
3. Consider a tune-up fight against a lower-ranked opponent
4. Build back confidence before challenging for the title again

Sonnen emphasized this point: “The worst thing Pereira can do is rush back, lose again, and find himself needing three or four wins to get another title shot. At his age, that timeline gets complicated.”

The Bigger Picture for “Poatan”

At 37 years old, Pereira doesn’t have the luxury of time that younger fighters do. Each career move becomes more critical, which is precisely why Sonnen’s advice carries weight.

“Alex has accomplished something truly remarkable in MMA,” Sonnen noted. “Going from kickboxing to holding titles in two UFC divisions in record time is unprecedented. Don’t jeopardize that legacy with impatience.”

The Brazilian still has lucrative options, including potential matchups with Jamahal Hill, a rubber match with Israel Adesanya, or even a move to heavyweight for super fights. But rushing back against another top contender could derail those possibilities.

What Do You Think?

Do you agree with Chael Sonnen that Pereira should pump the brakes? Or should “Poatan” stick with the aggressive scheduling that brought him this far?

Whatever happens next, one thing’s for sure—the light heavyweight division remains one of the most exciting in the UFC, and Pereira’s next move will have major implications for the title picture.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below, and as always, keep it locked here for the latest updates on Alex Pereira’s road back to championship gold.

Source: Chael Sonnen’s YouTube channel analysis of Alex Pereira’s UFC 313 performance and post-fight career decisions.