Ankalaev Will ‘Fight’ Pereira Next

January 6, 2025
1 month
Ankalaev Will 'Fight' Pereira Next

Magomed Ankalaev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, said that his fighter would face off against Alex Pereira next. 

Pereira, who is the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, has been accused of ducking Ankalaev. The Russian has racked up an impressive win streak, remaining undefeated in his last 13 fights. 11 wins, a no-contest, and a draw have created the narrative that he could upset Pereira. He defeated Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 308 in his latest fight. But Pereira is not a two-weight world champion for no reason. He had a remarkable 2024, winning three fights by knockout.

Stoppage wins over Jamahal Hill at UFC 300, Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303, and Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 307 showed his pedigree. Pereira is considered one of the best P4P fighters for that reason. Ankalaev is on record, saying Dana White has promised him that he will face Pereira next. But both sides blamed each other, claiming they did not want the fight. But Abdelaziz has now come to state that the fight will happen next. 

Pereira Vs. Ankalaev

“Alex Pereira can say whatever he wants. That guy is such a killer. He fought three fights in 167 days. Who am I to say – he cannot say whatever he wants? He’s having fun. Ankalaev’s having fun with him. But the only thing that’s going to matter – him and Ankalaev are going to be locked in a cage… Alex Pereira is fighting Magomed Ankalaev next. The UFC – everything can be maneuvered, get delayed. In the UFC, the best fight with the best. It’s the only promotion in the world, I can tell you this – if you keep winning, you get to fight for a title. There’s not too much politics in the UFC,” Abdelaziz said 

Joe Rogan gave his take on why the fight has not happened. He felt Ankalaev’s trash-talking may have hurt his chances. The Russian did refer to Pereira as a chicken. The fact that he only has a draw against former world champion Jan Blachowicz on his record is another reason for Pereira to be wary.

Will It Happen?

Alex has huge future fights lined up if he continues winning, with the opportunity to move up to heavyweight. He has been linked with fights against Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall. He also could move down to middleweight to recapture that belt after being linked a with Dricus Du Plessis fight. But he could come unstuck with a loss against Ankalaev, leaving him with every reason to be wary. 

“But he’s been talking a lot of [rubbish] and Alex doesn’t like that he talks, so he’s like, [forget] him, make him wait.’ Alex just said that he’s gonna fight in March and that he’s not gonna fight Ankalaev. Because If he’s fighting in March, when is Ramadan? … Ankalaev wouldn’t be able to fight in March, he’s gotta go through the entire month of Ramadan preparing for a world title fight? February 28th to March 29th. That’s exactly during the time period when [Pereira] is going to fight,” Rogan stated 

Find all the latest boxing news and MMA breaking updates on boxingnews.com.

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING boxingnews.COM

TAGS
COMMENTS

RELATED NEWS