This is MMA, so anything can happen is what MMA manager Ali Abdelaziz is clinging on. But barring a fluke, he said the next UFC 205-pound title fight is all but a go. Alex Pereira said it’s not going to be Magomed Ankalaev; manager Abdelaziz disagrees. The UFC are yet to confirm anything from their side despite Ankalaev remaining the only viable option.
The consensus is that light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira will take on Ali Abdelaziz’s client. But No. 1 seed for gold, Magomed Ankalaev, has been catching strays off it, for his alleged poor attitude and call-ups. ‘Poatan’ has made some intimations that UFC has been in talks about making a fight in early 2025. Ali Abdelaziz said the constant snubbing is some gleeful gamesmanship from the champion.
Alex Pereira can say whatever he wants. That guy is such a killer, …He fought three fights in 167 days. Who am I to say – he cannot say whatever he wants? He’s having fun. Ankalaev’s having fun with him…Alex Pereira is fighting Magomed Ankalaev next. The UFC – everything can be maneuvered, get delayed. [But] In the UFC, the best fight with the best.
Ali Abdelaziz to MMAJnkie’s Mike Bohn
The politics may be up for debate. But on the whole, winning is usually the way to go. Since his UFC debut – a stunning one-second submission loss to Paul Craig – Magomed Ankalaev has not lost any fights. After a nine-fight tear, he got a title shot. He is still smacking middle of the topic with wins over Johnny Walker and Aleksandar Rakic. However, in the larger scheme, Pereira has constantly dismissed him.
Pereira, a former middleweight champion, defended his light heavyweight title three times in 2024. He went on to become arguably the biggest active star in the UFC with some KOTY contender for 2024 on the beat. While he deserves his props, even hardcore enthusiasts have noticed his unwillingness to fight Magomed Ankalaev. One person has some peculiar insight on that.
Alex Pereira messing with Magomed Ankalaev using Ramadan return date
Alex Pereira made quite the mark in 2024 and wants an early return. UFC 313 PPV (Pay-per-view) Live from T-Mobile Arena In Las Vegas, Nevada on March 8 seems like a headlining spot. Some 9 Brazilian fighters are already logging in on the card and Pereira remains a natural good fit as the headliner.
Alex Pereira playing tactile strategy to string along Magomed Ankalaev (Source: X)The Brazilian fighter also recently teased about entering camp during that phase. He floated a tease about again being a cornerman for UFC 312, Live from Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney Olympic Park, New South Wales.
Pereira seems serious about making Magomed Ankalaev wait to fight. That’s according to UFC commentator Joe Rogan. The JRE host presents that Pereira is planning a March return specifically because it falls during Ramadan, the holy month of fasting and reflection for Muslims.
Ankalaev is f**king very dangerous, and he’s the No. 1 contender, and he’s been on a winning streak for a long ass 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, ‘Fu*k him, make him wait.’ Alex just said that he’s gonna fight in March and that he’s not gonna fight Ankalaev. Because If he’s fighting in March, when is Ramadan? … Ankalaev wouldn’t be able to fight in March, he’s gotta go through the entire month of Ramadan.
Joe Rogan on the ‘JRE’ Show 2249 –  PowerfulJRE (@joerogan)
This isn’t the first time the ‘Ramadan strategy’ came into play. Before Merab Dvalishvili accepted bantamweight title fight against Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311, he floated a date in March. This led to a whole lot of ducking rumors. Now, Ankalaev is faring the same. Will he too get his title crack eventually? There’s just no telling.
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