Magomed Ankalaev responds to Alex Pereira denying allegations of ducking: "He knows why he’s not fighting me"
Alex Pereira was recently chastised by Magomed Ankalaev for his denial of rumors of avoiding a potential showdown with the Russian. Ankalaev provided evidence for his statement by pointing out that Pereira is up against Khalil Rountree Jr., currently ranked eighth in the light heavyweight division, rather than him, ranked No. 2.
Ankalaev and Pereira have been exchanging jabs on social media, as many anticipated that the 32-year-old would challenge Pereira next. MMA manager Ali Abdelaziz and UFC commentator Joe Rogan, among others, were taken aback by the promotion's decision to schedule the Brazilian's third title defense against Rountree Jr. at UFC 307 and have since questioned it.
Upon reports of Pereira stepping down to middleweight following his title fight against Rountree Jr., Ankalaev bashed 'Poatan,' asserting that the latter only likes to face fighters weaker than him. This sparked a reaction from Pereira, who recently spoke to Kevin Iole and took a dig at the Russian, citing him as a ''boring'' fighter.
Pereira said:
''Honestly, it’s not my fault that Ankalaev have such a boring style of fighting that nobody wants to watch, that the guys don’t want to put him in. I’m ready to fight the guy. He’s ready to fight me, so whenever they put that fight. People talk about my ground, so there’s a good chance I’m going to show everybody.''
In response, Ankalaev took to X and hit back at Pereira, writing:
''Alex have 6 KO in ufc I have 6 KO He know why he’s not fighting me and Fighting the number eight guy let’s be real focus on your fight. I will do the same. We will see after if you will accept good luck, champ''
Ali Abdelaziz anticipates Magomed Ankalaev to cross paths with Alex Pereira next year
Magomed Ankalaev, who was expected to face Alex Pereira for the light heavyweight title, may have to wait a little longer, as he is now scheduled to take on Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 308 on Oct. 26 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
In an interview with ESPN MMA, Ali Abdelaziz discussed Ankalaev's route to UFC gold, saying:
''Certain fighters have a long road to the title, like Khabib (Nurmagomedov), like Kamaru Usman, like Islam Makhachev...It’s bullsh*t he’s not getting a title shot. ‘He just fought for the title, too.’ This is kind of what the UFC said. But the reality, I believe he’s the best light heavyweight on the planet...Magomed Ankalaev will handle business, Alex Pereira will handle business, and these two guys will fight in 2025.”
Check out Ali Abdelaziz's comments below (19:43):