Alex Pereira is the reigning and defending champion of the UFC light heavyweight division. After beating two former champions, the next big name as a contender for the title is Magomed Ankalaev. The Russian has called out ‘Poatan’ multiple times and he recently did it again.
Magomed Ankalaev recently did an interview with TMZ Sports. In that interview, Anklaev called out Alex Pereira saying that he has to fight him to truly deserve the title of light heavyweight champion.
My message to Alex is, Alex hang tight, until you beat somebody as well rounded of a fighter as myself in this division, you cannot call yourself the champion of the division.
Magomed Ankalaev via TMZ Sports
Alex Pereira is a former kickboxing champion and likely one of the most lethal strikers in the UFC. However, nobody has yet taken ‘Poatan’ to the ground where everyone speculates Pereira is at his weakest. That is exactly why Ankalaev would be the Brazilian’s biggest test in the division.
⚡️Magomed Ankalaev says Alex Pereira CAN’T call himself a champion. He also thinks Pereira is an easy fight for him.
“My message to Alex: hang tight. Until you beat somebody as well-rounded as myself, you cannot call yourself a champion.”
🎥 YT / @TMZ_Sports ▫️ pic.twitter.com/5lGX5fNL3Y
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) July 13, 2024
Ankalaev’s last fight was in January when he knocked down Johnny Walker in the second round. Meanwhile, Alex Pereira recently headlined UFC 303, delivering one of the biggest PPV events in UFC history. ‘Poatan’ had announced at the UFC 303 post-fight press conference that he would take some time off from fighting for a while. He recently put out a YouTube video where he talked about potential fight rumors and even addressed the Dagestani wrestler calling him out.
Alex Pereira addresses potential fight with Magomed Ankalaev
This year was a busy year for Alex Pereira. He headlined UFC 300 and UFC 303, both on short notice. ‘Poatan’ wishes to take some time off for a while. However, he would not be gone for long.
Magomed Ankalaev is ready to knock out Alex Pereira in a potential title fight (via Imago)
Pereira recently sent out a video on his YouTube channel. In that video, ‘Poatan’ revealed that he wants to fight again before 2024 ends. However, it would not be until later this year, likely November.
My focus is to defend my belt, doesn’t matter who. A lot of people say Ankalaev, that’s who they are talking about now. People are focused on him. But I’m training well, not just for him, but for anyone. It’s a good fight for me to fight. I’ll be well prepared for him, or anyone.
Alex Pereira on his YouTube channel
One of the biggest rumors in the light heavyweight division was ‘Poatan’s potential move to the heavyweight division. However, with Jon Jones still out due to injury, it looks like the Brazilian will stick around in the 205 lbs division a little longer. However, interim heavyweight champion, Tom Aspinall has also expressed a desire to fight Poatan.
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