The world of MMA is buzzing once again after the release of scary new footage showing former UFC middleweight champion Alex Pereira in action during his latest training camp. With the intensity of his preparation reaching new heights, the footage has left fans and fighters alike stunned at just how dangerous Pereira is looking heading into his next bout. Even UFC legends Joe Rogan and Demetrious Johnson have expressed concerns over what this could mean for Pereira’s next opponent—Magomed Ankalaev.

ALEX PEREIRA SCARY NEW FOOTAGE!👀Training for Magomed Ankalaev (Rogan,  Jones, Ngannou, DC REACT) 2025

As Pereira continues to rise in the UFC ranks, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Brazilian knockout artist, known for his lethal power and intimidating presence, has always been a force to be reckoned with. But what’s been revealed in this latest training footage is giving fans—and some of the biggest names in MMA—serious reason to fear for Ankalaev.

The New Footage: Pereira Looks MORE Dangerous Than Ever

The footage released shows a focused and relentless Alex Pereira in full training mode, and it’s clear that he’s pushing himself to the absolute limit. With his legendary striking skills already well established, it’s his improvement in other areas—particularly his grappling and conditioning—that’s catching the most attention.

Alex Pereira's Terrifying Training Footage for Ankalaev! 👀🔥 (Rogan,  Jones, Ngannou, DC React!) - YouTube

In the video, Pereira can be seen working with his coaches on refining his ground game and defensive techniques, areas that many critics have pointed out in the past as weaknesses. But now, it’s clear that he’s turning those potential vulnerabilities into strengths. His pressure and ability to dominate in the clinch have taken another leap forward, and his conditioning is looking more polished than ever. His body looks shredded, his movements are crisp, and there’s a new edge to his game that could make him even more terrifying inside the Octagon.

For someone already known for his one-punch knockout power, these improvements only add to the growing sense that Pereira is on another level. He’s not just the same fighter who won the UFC middleweight belt; he’s evolving into a fighter who might just be unbeatable.

Alex Pereira Nears Historic UFC Feat, Could Equal Jon Jones' Decade-Old  Record With Win Over Magomed Ankalaev - The SportsRush

Joe Rogan & Demetrious Johnson WEIGH IN: Concerns for Ankalaev?

Naturally, when you have names like Joe Rogan and Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson expressing concern over an opponent, you know something big is brewing.

Rogan, ever the vocal and insightful commentator, couldn’t help but voice his worries after seeing the footage. On his podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan praised Pereira’s relentless drive to improve and noted that, while Ankalaev is a dangerous and skilled fighter, he’s going to face an entirely different Pereira in their upcoming showdown.

Could Magomed Ankalaev Unseat UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira?

Pereira’s a monster. He’s already one of the most dangerous strikers the UFC has ever seen, but looking at this footage, you can see he’s putting everything together,” Rogan said. “Ankalaev might be in trouble. If Pereira is able to close the distance and impose his will, he’s gonna make it a nightmare for anyone—especially Ankalaev, who’s more comfortable when he controls the pace from the outside. Pereira’s conditioning and ability to take the fight to the clinch is gonna make it tough for anyone to survive.”

Meanwhile, Demetrious Johnson, a fighter known for his own level of fight IQ and comprehensive skill set, weighed in with a more analytical perspective. Johnson, having dealt with fighters from all walks of MMA, sees something different in Pereira’s training.

UFC champion Alex Pereira sends scary message to Magomed Ankalaev ahead of  UFC 313

“This is a very different Pereira we’re seeing here,” Johnson stated. “We’re used to seeing him just blitz people with his striking, but now we’re seeing a version of him who can wrestle, clinch, and has far more cardio than we’ve seen in previous bouts. It’s honestly pretty scary. He’s getting more dangerous with every fight. Ankalaev is great, but Pereira might just be on a whole other level now.

Magomed Ankalaev’s Tough Road Ahead

For Ankalaev, the pressure is mounting. The Russian light-heavyweight has long been considered one of the best in the division, known for his patience, precision striking, and superb defense. He’s a fighter who thrives in controlling the pace of the fight and picking opponents apart from a distance.

Magomed Ankalaev sends bold message to Alex Pereira ahead of UFC 313 fight  | Yardbarker

But Pereira’s style—his sheer aggression, physicality, and knockout power—poses a significant challenge to Ankalaev’s usual game plan. While Ankalaev is certainly no stranger to adversity in the Octagon, the thought of dealing with a fighter who is as well-rounded and dangerous as Pereira, coupled with the Brazilian’s improvement in grappling and conditioning, makes this one of the most intriguing matchups in UFC history.

With the footage showing a more well-rounded, fitter, and more dangerous Pereira, Ankalaev will have to be on his toes more than ever. If Pereira can close the distance and push the pace, it could very well throw Ankalaev off his rhythm, forcing him to fight in uncomfortable territory.

Odds Leveling Out In UFC 313 Alex Pereira Vs. Magomed Ankalaev Title Clash

Pereira’s Road to Becoming a Two-Division Champion?

While the showdown with Ankalaev is taking center stage for now, many are already talking about Pereira’s future beyond that. If he can continue evolving, he might not just be a top contender in the light-heavyweight division—he could very well become a two-division champion.

Pereira’s striking has always been a game-changer in the UFC, but the new footage suggests that his all-around skills are rapidly improving, making him an even bigger threat. If he can replicate his success from middleweight, but with the added strength and versatility in the light-heavyweight division, the landscape of UFC could change forever.

 

Conclusion: A Dangerous New Phase for Pereira

The latest training footage of Alex Pereira is a clear sign that the Brazilian knockout artist is entering a new phase of his career—one where he’s not just a knockout specialist but a well-rounded, tactical fighter who can dominate in any area of the game. As Joe Rogan and Demetrious Johnson both noted, Pereira’s improvement across the board is scary, and his next opponent, Magomed Ankalaev, will need to be prepared for an entirely different version of the fighter who captured the middleweight title.

The MMA world is on high alert. Pereira’s evolution as a fighter means that he’s more dangerous than ever, and Ankalaev has a serious test ahead of him. As the fight inches closer, fans can’t help but wonder: Has Pereira reached a level that will make him unstoppable? Only time will tell, but for now, the latest footage has everyone, including Rogan and Johnson, thinking twice about what’s coming next.