Magomed Ankalaev sets sights on Alex Pereira and Jon Jones
Magomed Ankalaev appears to be next in line to challenge Alex Pereira for the light heavyweight title after defeating Aleksandar Rakic via unanimous decision at UFC 308. While the No.1-ranked light heavyweight had angled for the opportunity for quite some time, a clash between the two now seems inevitable.
Ankalaev recently took to X to call out both 'Poatan' and heavyweight champion Jon Jones. He claimed that he can beat both fighters while accusing 'Bones' of ducking Tom Aspinall:
"Jones doesn’t want to fight Aspinall, Perreira is recovering and I’m hungry. I will beat Perreira and after that I can beat Jones"
Check out Magomed Ankalaev's post to Alex Pereira and Jon Jones below:
Ankalaev has spent much of 2024 calling for the opportunity to challenge Pereira for the light heavyweight title. Meanwhile, Aspinall has angled for a heavyweight title unification bout against Jones, who is set to face Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 this weekend in a fight that has been well over a year in the making.
While 'Bones' had previously hinted that his upcoming trip to the octagon will mark the final time he competes in mixed martial arts, he has hinted that he would be open to delaying his retirement plans for a superfight against 'Poatan'.
Pereira revealed that he doesn't plan to move up to heavyweight after his fourth-round knockout victory against Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 307. It is unclear if those plans would change for the right price.
Jon Jones gives Magomed Ankalaev advice on how to insult him
Magomed Ankalaev recently took to X to call out Jon Jones after the latter expressed interest in a superfight with Alex Pereira. The No.1-ranked light heavyweight responded to a post from MMA Orbit, claiming:
"Sound like someone scary of big TOM"
Jones fired back, advising Ankalaev to break some of his records if he wants to truly insult him:
"Magomed jealousy won’t earn you legend status, my friend. Train harder, hate less. Want to truly insult me? Break some of my records first. Let’s get started."
Check out Magomed Ankalaev's tweet and Jon Jones' response below:
Ankalaev appears to be in position to receive the next title opportunity at light heavyweight, so it should be no surprise that he doesn't want to see a superfight between Jones and Pereira transpire. If the two are pitted against one another, the No.1-ranked light heavyweight could find himself competing for an interim title or waiting around for a title opportunity.