Alex Pereira continued his incredible run at UFC 307 this October. He finished Khalil Rountree Jr. in the fourth round of their all-out war. Following his title defense, the Brazilian went back home. Recently, Pereira has been projected as the pay-per-view (PPV) top bill replacement for UFC 310. He was to face Magomed Ankalaev at long last in a title headliner. But given his escapade to his origins, Ankalaev now hits back.
Throughout his UFC journey, Pereira has always paid homage to his tribe in Brazil, the Pataxó. Poatan’s tribal ceremonial weigh-in look has become iconic, making him a fan favorite. Before his UFC 303 pay-per-view (PPV) event in June, Jiri Prochazka accused him of voodoo and shamanic tribe boosts. Now, an over-the-top Ankalaev takes the ‘voodoo’ banter to a whole new level.
Focus on MMA voodoo is not gonna help you my son
Magomed Ankalaev via X (@AnkalaevM)
Shamanic boosts are something that middleweight Israel Adesanya has also admitted feeling in his fight with Pereira. Despite constant accusations that he uses voodoo to win his bouts, it is his deadly left hand that keeps his opponents on the floor. However, he has admitted that his hands are still sore from his UFC 307 bout. The Team Gorets MMA Orthodox does not consider that a visit home or voodoo power will be a big barrage to stop him.
Focus on MMA voodoo is not gonna help you my son
— Magomed Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) November 4, 2024
With UFC 310 fast approaching, the event is without a headlining bout after Belal Muhammad recently withdrew. Following the news, Pereira cryptically posted a phone emoji online, suggesting he would once again save the day and headline the event. Coupling with the fact that he has recently returned to visit his tribe in Brazil, UFC fans are expecting ‘Poatan’ to announce another billing. However, Ankalaev has a different take.
Magomed Ankalaev: UFC champ Alex Pereira was afraid to fight on short notice
Magomed Ankalaev claims that he was ready to save UFC 310, but Alex Pereira was not. Ankalaev wants a title shot against light heavyweight champion Pereira, so much so that he’s willing to do it without a full camp. But he can’t say (or won’t) the same about the 205-pound champ.
Pereira has had three title fights in the space of six months. These were knockouts of Jamahal Hill, Jiri Prochazka, and most recently Rountree. He revealed that his hand is still sore from the Rountree fight in an interview with Brazilian podcast Podpah (h/t MMA Fighting).
Both Ankalaev (19-1-1 MMA, 10-1-1 UFC) and Pereira hinted that they’d be willing to replace that fight. But Ankalaev says it was only him ready for the pay-per-view (PPV) bill this December. Riding a 13-fight unbeaten streak, last defeating Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 308, Ankalaev blasted Pereira for not accepting the last-minute fight.
Willing to fight everyone short notice but with me, he knows he have to be ready, he’s not stupid
Magomed Ankalaev via X (@AnkalaevM)
Fake news I’m the only one who was ready for December but he deserve rest
— Magomed Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) November 4, 2024
I was offered three dates December, February, and March and I agreed to all three dates I have to win by KO I have no problem. It is condition.
— Magomed Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) November 4, 2024
Willing to fight everyone short notice but with me, he knows he have to be ready he’s not stupid
— Magomed Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) November 4, 2024
Ankalaev’s 13-fight unbeaten streak is the second longest in the division’s history behind Jon Jones‘ 18-fight run. With UFC CEO Dana White on board, Ankalaev has called for a title shot against the light heavyweight champion. But given the reluctance, he doesn’t feel it’s a guarantee. Now the challenger is pinning his hopes on the champion’s resolve. To that end, he is baiting out Pereira, tending to pitch in on short intervals.
