Alex Pereira called out for ‘lying’ about asking Dana White’s team for Magomed Ankalaev

The Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev fight controversy is still very much on. ‘Poatan’ recently claimed that he wanted to fight Magomed Ankalaev but was turned down by the Dagestani fighter. Magomed Ankalaev went on social media to refute this claim and accused the light heavyweight champion of lying. Here is what happened:

Alex Pereira recently sat down for a video on his YouTube channel. There ‘Poatan’ addressed the ducking allegations against him for allegedly avoiding a fight against Magomed Ankalaev. The Brazilian suggested that Ankalaev refused to fight him, prompting Pereira to be matched with Khalil Rountree Jr. instead. Taking to X, Ankalaev strongly denied this accusation, calling it a lie. 

This is the biggest lie this not man style
Magomed Ankalaev on X

He and his team, including manager Ali Abdelaziz had previously stated that the UFC decided for different matchups based on timing and rankings. Alex Pereira is set to defend his UFC light heavyweight championship against Khalil Rountree Jr. in the main event of UFC 307. The bout is set for this October at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

This is the biggest lie this not man style

— Magomed Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) August 25, 2024

As for Magomed Ankalaev, his next fight is scheduled for this October at UFC 308. There he will face Aleksandar Rakic for their light heavyweight showdown. This fight will take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Ankalaev is determined to prove his worth in this fight and secure his place for a future title shot

Magomed Ankalaev calls out Jamahal Hill to be backup fighter for UFC 308

Magomed Ankalaev recently declared that Jamahal Hill could serve as the official backup for his upcoming fight against Aleksandar Rakic. This announcement came after a series of heated exchanges between the two fighters. Ankalaev stated that Hill should be prepared to step in if Rakić pulls out of their fight.

Magomed Ankalaev calls out Jamahal Hill (Image via Imago)

Hill had expressed confidence in facing the fellow light heavyweight stating that Ankalaev would be “light work” for him if he had to step in. The former light heavyweight champion has not fought since his loss to Pereira at UFC 300. The tension between the two began when Hill criticized the UFC 307 title fight between Alex Pereira and Khalil Rountree Jr. 

Jamal Hill time to eat your words. Get ready for Abu Dhabi. You’re officially the backup

— Magomed Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) August 23, 2024

The former champion labeled it as detrimental to the sport expressing frustration after being sidelined due to injury and felt that more deserving fighters, potentially including himself, were overlooked for the title shot. In response, Ankalaev mocked Hill, accusing him of “crying” about the fight and reminding him that Pereira had previously knocked him out. 

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