Alex ‘Poatan’ Pereira currently holds the title of UFC light heavyweight champion. In addition to his success in the octagon, the Brazilian fighter has been making significant contributions to his community. As a result, many view him as an intriguing matchup for potential opponents. Notably, the number one ranked light heavyweight fighter, Magomed Ankalaev, is among those interested in facing him.
In the past few days, Magomed Ankalaev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, has participated in several interviews. While most of the discussions have focused on UFC 311, he briefly shifted his attention to the UFC light heavyweight division. In a recent interview with senior MMA journalist Kevin Iole, Abdelaziz appeared to preview Ankalaev’s potential fight against Alex Pereira.
I think Magomed Ankalaev has more knockout [wins] than what Alex Pereira has wins in the UFC. Nobody can say [Ankalaev] is boring… (Ankalaev) promised me, he said, ‘I’m gonna stand toe to toe with Pereira. I think he’s chinny. I believe I’m gonna knock him out in under three rounds.’ Listen, if Israel Adesanya can knock him out, then you don’t think Ankalaev can knock him out?
Ali Abdelaziz via Kevin Iole’s YT channel (Check from 3:00)
Ali Abdelaziz presented an interesting theory to support Ankalaev’s potential victory over Pereira. Notably, during his time in the UFC, the Brazilian fighter has only been defeated once. That loss came when the former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya knocked Pereira out in a highly anticipated grudge match.
According to the well-known MMA manager, his fighter Ankalaev also possesses the ability to achieve a knockout against the Brazilian fighter. Abdelaziz referenced the UFC records to support his statement. As such, he claimed that Ankalaev had more knockout wins than Pereira in the promotion. However, this claim is inaccurate.
Although the Dagestani fighter debuted in the UFC before ‘Poatan’, the Brazilian fighter has currently surpassed him in terms of records and performances within the promotion. It appears Abdelaziz exaggerated to promote Ankalaev as the next title contender if Poatan has other ideas.
Joe Rogan believes Alex Pereira is ‘not’ going to fight Magomed Ankalaev
Interestingly, Magomed Ankalaev has actively pursued a championship fight against Alex Pereira for some time. Unlike many fighters who typically wait for their opportunity, Ankalaev took a more daring approach to secure a bout with Pereira. As such, he began criticizing the UFC light heavyweight champion to demand the fight.
Alex Pereira at UFC 307 (Image via NY Post)In retaliation, Pereira repeatedly shut down the potential fight against Ankalaev. Despite this, the Dagestani fighter continued to slander the Brazilian. Recently, UFC commentator Joe Rogan explored the ongoing feud between Ankalaev and Pereira. In his discussion, Rogan offered an interesting perspective, suggesting that he believes these two fighters will not face each other next.
He’s at the top of the heap, and he’s been waiting for a title shot for a long time. But he’s been talking a lot of sh*t, and Alex doesn’t like that he talks sh*t. So, he’s like, ‘F*ck him, make him wait.’ Alex just said that he’s going to fight in March and that he’s not going to fight Ankalaev. Because If he’s fighting in March, when is Ramadan? Ankalaev wouldn’t be able to fight in March.
Joe Rogan via JRE #2249
Pereira recently secured a victory against Khalil Rountree at UFC 307. Following this win, there was widespread speculation that the Brazilian fighter would defend his title against Ankalaev next. However, Pereira announced that he plans to take a long break and wishes to return around March 2025.
In light of this, Rogan pointed out that ‘Poatan’ is intentionally delaying his fight against Ankalaev. It’s noteworthy that Pereira’s potential return date coincides with Ramadan, during which many Muslim fighters, including Ankalaev, typically avoid competing. As a result, Rogan does not see this matchup happening next.
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