Magomed Ankalaev vows to leave Alex Pereira "laying on his back" in potential fight: "I will knock him out"
Alex Pereira recently received a stern warning from Magomed Ankalaev. The 32-year-old is aiming for a knockout if a potential fight against Pereira were to happen in the near future.
Pereira defended his UFC light heavyweight title against Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303. But Ankalaev, who believes he is the next real challenger for the title, has repeatedly called out the reigning champion on social media.
This time, the No.2-ranked contender took to X to promise to knock Pereira out, writing:
''End of the year he’ll be laying on his back looking at the light and ask his corner, are we back in Brazil this is a promise. I will knock him out.''
Ankalaev had previously challenged Pereira while making an unusual offer to the Brazilian. The Russian fighter threatened to harm 'Poatan' three times as much as Israel Adesanya did. In a series of tweets, he wrote:
'@AlexPereiraUFC I respect you but the reality is you're still the champion because you haven't fought me yet. You fought with a fake ninja and a street fighter both with no chins. If Izzy can KO you then I will cause 3x damage. I will do it with no wrestling with you.''
''Good for him. I will soon send him back to Brazil belt less.''
''@AlexPereiraUFC I will make a deal. First 15 minutes no takedowns. @Mickmaynard2 @danawhite''
Ankalaev recently earned a second-round knockout against Johnny Walker at UFC Vegas 84, marking his return to winning ways. Despite his pursuit of a title shot, the promotion has yet to confirm his next fight for the belt.
In addition, Pereira appears to be considering a heavyweight run against either Jon Jones or Tom Aspinall. Ankalaev will keep nudging and pressing the two-division champion for a title fight for the time being, which he might very well get.
Alex Pereira's manager dismisses Magomed Ankalaev while hinting about 'Poatan's' next fight
Alex Pereira successfully defended his light heavyweight title for the second time in the main event of UFC 303. Although Magomed Ankalaev is rumored to be 'Poatan's' next opponent, another light-heavyweight challenger could take his place.
Pereira's manager, Jorge Guimarães reportedly picked Jan Blachowicz as the champion's next opponent in a poll of who the Brazilian should face next. Championship Rounds took to X and shared a screenshot of the comment, writing:
"Alex Pereira's manager, Jorge Guimarães, commented under a post asking who is next for Alex Pereira? His answer: Jan Blachowicz #UFC #MMA"