Pereira Denies Ducking Ankalaev – ‘Ankalaev Didn’t Want To Fight’
Alex Pereira has denied suggestions that he is ducking Magomed Ankalaev.
Pereira is coming off a stoppage win against Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303 as he retained his UFC Lightweight Title. There were suggestions his next fight would take place against Ankalaev. The Russian is unbeaten in his last 12 fights, with ten wins, a no-contest and a draw. Ankalaev takes on Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 308 on October 26. Meanwhile, Pereira has been scheduled to face Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 307 on October 5.
Khalil has five wins on the bounce, but compared to Ankalaev, his record is far less impressive. Pereira has also suggested he could return to middleweight to take on Dricus Du Plessis after the South African submitted Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 to retain his middleweight belt. Alex lost that middleweight belt in his last fight at the weight class when Izzy stopped him at UFC 287. Ankalaev called out Pereria for being a chicken, suggesting the Brazilian is avoiding him. The light heavyweight champion has now fired back.
Pereira Reacts
“I threw that to the organization, left it very clear, but Ankalaev didn’t want to fight against me. I don’t know the reason, if it was the location if he just didn’t want. He isn’t the champion, (so) he can’t pick anything. I think it’s the opportunity that shows up, he didn’t want it.
“He has his reasoning; I don’t know what it is. I came to tell you guys, I’m not scared of anyone, everyone knows my history and everything I’ve done and who I went against, not just in MMA but kickboxing. [And] I was also a bit surprised when they offered (Khalil Rountree Jr.). I honestly thought it would be Ankalaev,” Pereria said
Pereira has been warned about Rountree Jr. Chael Sonnen felt that the challenger would be able to close the distance and avoid getting tagged by Pereira. If that happens, there is a chance that Pereira will get hurt. Khalil has stopped four of his last five opponents, which were straight knockouts. Sonnen felt Rountree’s best happens when he is countering someone.
Pereira Vs. Rountree
Since Alex likes to fight on the front foot, he may leave himself open. Adesanya showed that when he landed a big counter right once Pereira opened up to stop him. However, that all depends on not getting hit by Alex. The Brazilian has a 100 percent knockout rate at light heavyweight since he is no longer cutting weight to make middleweight. He also rehydrates more to around 240 pounds on fight night, meaning he is much bigger than his rivals. But Sonnen expected a tough night for Alex.
“Khalil Rountree Jr. is going to walk through Pereira. That is the worst matchup I could think of…“I will tell you this because I don’t know how familiar you are or the rest of the fans are with Khalil, but he does his absolute best work when he’s being attacked by a kickboxer. It’s not Khalil swarming somebody or taking them down or submitting them. He is a counter fighter, and he loves when you punch or kick at him first,” Sonnen stated
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