Alex Pereira reveals he asked for Magomed Ankalaev fight: "I’m the one that said I want to fight him now"
Alex Pereira last entered the octagon in October 2024, defeating Khalil Rountree Jr. via fourth-round TKO to defend his light heavyweight title for the third time in six months. While his strong run earned him Fighter of the Year honors, he also faced some criticism for not facing Magomed Ankalaev during that stretch.
Ahead of the two fighters' upcoming clash at UFC 313 in March, 'Poatan' revealed that he was the one who asked for the bout. Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, the light heavyweight champion stated, via his coach and translator Plinio Cruz:
"[Ankalaev] says the company tells me what to do, but I'm the one that asked for the fight. I said I want to fight in March, May, June, but I'm the one that came there and said I want to fight Ankalaev now. And he found out only because I asked to fight... Any press conference, any interviews with Dana White come up, just ask him. I know 100% Dana White's going to say that I asked for the fight. It's impossible to say something else."
Check out Alex Pereira's comments on asking for the Magomed Ankalaev fight below:
Ankalaev spent much of 2024 angling for the opportunity to challenge Pereira for the light heavyweight title. 'Poatan' claimed that the No. 1-ranked light heavyweight turned down the opportunity behind closed doors despite his public calls out.
Alex Pereira claims he will make fun of Magomed Ankalaev if he wins at UFC 313
Alex Pereira spent much of 2024 exchanging words with Magomed Ankalaev, with the latter accusing him of avoiding the matchup. During his recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, he shared that he plans to make fun of his opponent if he wins at UFC 313.
Championship Rounds shared 'Poatan's comments on X, posting:
"Alex Pereira sends a message to Magomed Ankalaev: "If [Ankalaev] doesn't back up what he says, people have already seen me making fun of my other opponents. Sometimes I joke and stuff, but this is the guy I'm really going to make fun of." 😳[ via. @arielhelwani ]#UFC #MMA"
Check out the post from Championship Rounds below:
Ankalaev has shared that he plans to knock Pereira out rather than attempt to take the fight to the ground. After nearly a year of building up towards the bout, the No. 1-ranked light heavyweight will have the opportunity to back up his claims - and will likely be taunted if he is unsuccessful.