As UFC 313 approaches, all eyes are on Alex Pereira as he prepares for one of the biggest challenges of his career inside the octagon. The former UFC middleweight champion has been intensifying his training, focusing particularly on improving his takedown defense—an area he knows will be crucial in his upcoming fight. Known for his knockout power and striking prowess, Pereira is preparing for a fight that will demand more than just his stand-up skills.

Preparing for UFC 313

Pereira, who claimed the middleweight title by defeating Israel Adesanya at UFC 281, has seen his popularity soar, but he also understands that the level of competition in the UFC is incredibly high, and his opponents will look to exploit his weaknesses. One of those weaknesses is his defense against takedowns and his grappling game. While he has shown significant progress in defending against wrestlers, the Brazilian knows that at UFC 313, he’ll be facing an opponent who will likely try to neutralize his striking power by taking the fight to the ground.

In a recent interview, Pereira revealed that he has been dedicating specific training sessions to improve his takedown defense, both in the octagon and during grappling practice. “I know I could be tested on the ground, and I need to be prepared for that,” said Pereira. “Everyone knows my striking is one of the best, but I have to evolve in all areas, and my takedown defense is one of the most important right now.”

Training with Specialists

To enhance his defensive skills, Pereira has been working with wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu experts—two essential elements in avoiding being dominated on the ground. He has trained with seasoned fighters and coaches known for their grappling expertise, including a former wrestling champion, and is also focusing on transitioning between defending takedowns and counterattacks.

In one of the photos shared on his social media, Pereira was seen practicing takedown defense, avoiding being put on his back while trying to stay on his feet—an essential tactic when fighting against grapplers. His strategy is to improve his reflexes and ability to escape or quickly reposition himself if he is taken down.

“I’m learning to use the clinch more, working on footwork to get out of takedowns, and putting myself in a better position whenever possible,” said the fighter. “It’s about being smarter and knowing what the opponent is going to try. It’s not just about being strong physically, but having the technical knowledge to avoid the takedown.”

The Importance of Takedown Defense for UFC 313

While Pereira has a striking-based fighting style, his defense against takedowns is critical to ensuring that he can keep the fight standing and control the pace of the bout. If he can avoid being taken down and maintain his stand-up game, his chances of securing a win increase significantly.

UFC 313 is shaping up to be an action-packed event, with several anticipated matchups, and Pereira’s fight is sure to be one of the highlights of the night. As he works on his defensive skills, fans are eager to see a more complete fighter—someone who is prepared for any challenge, whether on the ground or in the striking exchanges.

Looking Ahead

Regardless of how UFC 313 unfolds, one thing is clear: Alex Pereira is committed to evolving as a fighter. His dedication to improving his takedown defense is a testament to the fact that he is not resting on his laurels after his impressive career achievements. Instead, he is preparing to face whatever comes his way and maintain his position as one of the biggest names in the middleweight division.

As the date for UFC 313 nears, all eyes will be on Pereira’s evolution. His ability to keep the fight standing, defend takedowns, and adapt to different situations will be tested more than ever. One thing’s for certain: fans can expect a thrilling spectacle, and Alex Pereira is ready to prove that he is a well-rounded fighter in the octagon.