Magomed Ankalaev has thrown down the gauntlet to UFC light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira. The Russian contender is confident he can dethrone the Brazilian knockout artist. This came after UFC 303 concluded. The ground game expert is confident in his knockout prowess.
Ankalaev wasted no time calling out Pereira after UFC 303. The champion had just dispatched Jiri Prochazka with a devastating second-round knockout. Ankalaev gave his congrats to the defending champion. He also put his point forward in getting the next shot at the title.
Guys believe me everyone, I will knock out @AlexPereiraUFCÂ I do not need to take him down, this guy his chin is gone but I know he is very dangerous
Magomed Ankalaev via X
Ankalaev claimed that he wouldn’t need his renowned wrestling skills for this fight. It’s a bold strategy, considering Alex Pereira‘s fearsome striking reputation. The 19-1-1 contender is riding a 10-fight winning streak in the UFC. His resume includes victories over several top-ranked fighters in the division.
All these guys in the Top 5 have been knocked out, I’m the best Light Heavyweight on the planet none of these guys are on my level and now I get to fight the Champion and I believe he is not that scared of me like other ones
— Magomed Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) June 30, 2024
Guys believe me everyone, I will knock out @AlexPereiraUFC I do not need to take him down, this guy his chin is gone but I know he is very dangerous
— Magomed Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) June 30, 2024
2 years ago Alex Perreira was not ready to fight with me but I believe today he is the hardest fight in the division for me and I’m the hardest fight in the division for him
— Magomed Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) June 30, 2024
Magomed Ankalaev‘s confidence is admirable, but some might call it misplaced bravado. After all, Pereira just added another highlight-reel knockout to his collection. He believed that they were each other’s hardest fights in the division currently. Ankalaev also threw shade at the top light heavyweights. He revealed that all the fighters in the Top 5 had been knocked out, except him. A fight between him and Pereira is a big possibility next if Pereira doesn’t make a move to heavyweight.
Dana White open to idea of Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira
Dana White, the UFC CEO, has thrown open the door to an intriguing matchup. He’s open to considering a bout between Magomed Ankalaev and light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira. The possibility arose after Pereira’s impressive victory at UFC 303. The Brazilian knocked out Jiri Prochazka in the second round of their title fight.
Dana White open to making Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev (via MMA Fighting/ Sports Illustrated)Ankalaev wasted no time in calling out the champion. He took to social media, boldly claiming he could knock out Pereira. The Russian contender’s confidence caught White’s attention. Initially hesitant, the UFC boss quickly warmed to the idea of the fight.
I don’t know, we’ll see…I like it, there you go, yeah.
Dana White at the UFC 303 post-fight press conference
Pereira, for his part, seemed unfazed by Ankalaev’s challenge. He acknowledged that everyone deserves a shot at the title once earned. White’s openness to this matchup has set the MMA world abuzz. Ankalaev’s 10-fight winning streak makes him a formidable contender. Pereira, meanwhile, continues to prove himself as a force in the light heavyweight division.Â
