One of the top light heavyweight contenders is eager to dethrone Alex Pereira following his most recent title defense at UFC 303.
UFC 303 News: Alex Pereira Outlasts Jiri Prochazka in Last-Minute Main Event
Conor McGregor was scheduled to make his return against Michael Chandler in the main event of UFC 303, but “The Notorious” injured his toe, leading to light heavyweight champion Pereira stepping in to take his place and saving the event by facing Jiri Prochazka for the second time in the card's main event.
In a rematch between the two light heavyweights, Pereira once stopped Prochazka in the second round, and in the aftermath of UFC 303, No. 2-ranked Magomed Ankalaev began campaigning for another shot at “Poitan.”
Trust me guys, I'm gonna knock you out @Alex PereiraUFC There's no need to put him down. This guy's jaw is gone, but I know he's very dangerous.
— Magomed Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) June 30, 2024
Trust me guys, I'm gonna knock you out @Alex PereiraUFC There's no need to put him down. This guy's jaw is gone, but I know he's very dangerous.
— Magomed Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) June 30, 2024
Ankalaev is undefeated except for a last-minute submission loss to Paul Craig in his UFC debut in 2018, and he drew with former titleholder Jan Blachowicz at UFC 282 in a bout that was supposed to determine a new light heavyweight champion.
The 32-year-old Ankalaev then faced Johnny Walker to a no contest before knocking out the Brazilian in a rematch earlier this year, and now he has said he would challenge Pereira as soon as the opportunity arises.
Abu Dhabi Saudi Arabia, New York Las Vegas, anywhere, anytime KO ready Alex
— Magomed Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) June 30, 2024
Pereira's impressive win at UFC 303 has some fans speculating that the former middleweight champion might consider a move to heavyweight in pursuit of a third UFC title shot, but if “Poitan” stays at 205 pounds, a matchup with Ankalaev could answer the question of how the light heavyweight champion's grappling game has developed.
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