Magomed Ankalaev to face Alex Pereira in title fight

Magomed Ankalaev has rejected the idea that UFC champion Alex Pereira has dominated the light heavyweight division.

Pereira (11-2 MMA, 8-1 UFC) made his second consecutive title defense last Saturday with a second-round TKO of Jiri Prochazka in the main event of UFC 303. Since then, there has been talk of “Poitan” moving up to heavyweight in an attempt to win a historic third division title under the UFC banner, but Ankalaev (19-1-1 MMA, 10-1-1 UFC) isn’t buying it.

Ankalaev, who has an unbeaten 12-0 record at 205 pounds, is No. 3 in the latest USA Today Sports/MMA Junkie light heavyweight rankings and is the only highly ranked fighter in the division who has yet to beat No. 1-ranked Pereira.

“I've had 12 good fights so far in the UFC and obviously Alex Pereira has risen to the top. He's had a couple of fights (in the weight class) and has improved a lot,” Ankalaev told MMA Junkie through a translator on Wednesday. “Right now he holds the title and with what I've done so far I feel like I deserve a shot at the title and I'm looking forward to this opportunity.”

“I don't know why everyone is saying he's going to move up to heavyweight. I don't think so. As a guy with no wrestling experience, I think it's going to be really tough for him. Maybe just one fight. But since he moved up to light heavyweight, he's worked his way up through the weight classes and I'm still there. He didn't fight me. If he wants to be champion of the weight class, I think he has to face me first. After that, he might be able to consider other moves.”

On paper, the 32-year-old Ankalaev is perhaps the worst opponent in the division for the 36-year-old Pereira. The Brazilian is perceived as weaker on the ground but is a dangerous striker with a proven track record, while Ankalaev has proven to be extremely capable both in the stands and on the ground.

With so much attention being paid to Pereira's recent success, pitting him against Ankalaev is risky matchmaking, especially if the reigning champion is vulnerable on the ground.

However, in a social media post after UFC 303, Ankalaev made it clear that he would win if it were a striking-only fight, and he remains firm in that belief, but acknowledges that he also recognizes his advantage in grappling.

“With Alex, you look at some of his previous fights. In the fight against (Jan) Blachowicz, his wrestling was at a high level and Alex didn't have much to show. Same with (Israel) Adesanya. They're both strikers, but Adesanya was able to wrestle Alex,” Ankalaev said. “I think he's a great striker, but he's always the type of guy who comes forward and sometimes he makes mistakes and I catch him. If he comes with strikes, we have a strategy. But if you add wrestling, I don't think he has a chance and I have some options to finish him off.”

“He certainly has a strong punch, but stand-up is overrated overall. You see that in his fight with Jamahal Hill; he had something going for him. Same with Prochaska; you see him moving forward with the same style. He was lucky not to face tough opponents. The wrestling is there, but I'm ready to take him on the stand-up and test him.”

Ankalaev said he would be open to a title fight with Pereira at any time and, although he denied rumors spread by former champion Hill that he was unable to fight in the United States due to visa issues, said the ideal date would be at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi on October 26.

“For now, we don't have a specific date set,” Ankalaev said. “For now, there are no visa issues. I have a valid visa, so if it's held in the (United States), that's an option. It would be nice if it's held in Abu Dhabi, which is a better place for me.”

UFC CEO Dana White was open to the idea of ​​a Pereira vs. Ankalaev fight when it was proposed during the post-fight press conference at UFC 303. Pereira also said he would be willing to fight “whoever” UFC wants as his next opponent.

“Anyone”

Champion Alex Pereira will not be intimidated by Magomed Ankalaev or anyone else. #UFC303. pic.twitter.com/rT7x9XQgSq

— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) June 30, 2024

Ankalaev is optimistic that a call-up will come sooner or later, and when it does, he will be ready to make the most of the opportunity.

“If you look at the top five, they've all lost recently, so I think I'm next for the title. The logical thing to do is step up and get the title shot,” Ankalaev said. “As for the light heavyweight division, I've worked really hard here and have a great track record. He came up in the same division as me. He was lucky. He had a good record, but it's fair for him to face me.”

“I have to put him on the line. It's going to be a great match. They both have great personalities and people are expecting some sparks to fly in this match.”