Magomed Ankalaev thinks Alex Pereira should focus on doing better in their rematch instead of talking trash before UFC 320.
Pereira (12-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) accused Ankalaev (21-1-1 MMA, 12-1-1 UFC) of intentionally avoiding him at the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas less than two weeks out from their light heavyweight title bout on Oct. 4 at T-Mobile Arena (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN).
Ankalaev initially remained silent about the accusations, which came in the form of a heated rant posted by Pereira. The champion issued statements on his social media Wednesday, dismissing the claims and telling “Poatan” that he’s lucky to be getting a second chance (via X):
Ankalaev won the first fight at UFC 313 in March by unanimous decision, extending his unbeaten streak inside the octagon to 14 fights. He is looking for a more clear-cut win in the rematch, however, and posted a bold prediction that will close his chapter with Pereira for good (via X):
