Magomed Ankalaev, the top-ranked light heavyweight contender, has accused reigning champion Alex Pereira of delaying their much-anticipated UFC title fight.
Ankalaev, speaking to Russian outlet TASS, claimed Pereira has yet to accept the fight, but he remains optimistic that the matchup could take place in May 2025.
The Backstory
Ankalaev has spent much of 2024 campaigning for a shot at Pereira’s light heavyweight crown.
Despite his position as the #1 contender, Ankalaev has been left waiting while Pereira defended his title three times in six months.
Pereira, known for stepping in on short notice and carrying UFC events this year, has reportedly been dealing with injuries and hinted at a need for rest.
Ankalaev Calls Out Pereira
In his interview, Ankalaev didn’t hold back, accusing Pereira of avoiding the fight. “Pereira has not yet agreed to the fight. But, sooner or later, it will happen. I think the fight can take place in May,” he said.
Ankalaev added, “I’d like to talk to Alex and tell him, ‘Hey, stop running away from me. We should fight.’”
Ankalaev has also taken his frustrations to social media. In a post on X, he outlined his goals for 2025, which include defeating Pereira in March, granting him a rematch in July, and then facing contenders like Jamahal Hill or Jiri Prochazka in Abu Dhabi by October.
Pereira’s Side of the Story
Pereira has been vocal about needing recovery time after his intense fight schedule. Following his UFC 307 victory over Khalil Rountree Jr., Pereira revealed he was nursing several injuries.
The 37-year-old Brazilian has also hinted at a potential move to heavyweight, seeking legacy-defining fights against the likes of Jon Jones.
Fans have been split on the situation. Some accuse Pereira of dodging Ankalaev, while others believe the champion has earned his time off.
One fan wrote, “Bruh, give this man Pereira rest. He doesn’t need to accept a fight in November if it’s happening next May.”
Another defended Pereira, saying, “Alex ain’t ducking nobody.”
The ongoing delay has drawn the attention of UFC President Dana White, as fans eagerly await Pereira’s next move. Ankalaev’s camp argues that the Dagestani fighter’s grappling-heavy style poses a significant challenge to Pereira’s striking prowess. This matchup has the potential to shake up the division, with Ankalaev confident in his ability to dethrone the Brazilian champion.
Adding intrigue to the mix, Ankalaev has not ruled out his own move to heavyweight, setting up a possible future clash with Jon Jones. The two have exchanged heated words, with Jones calling Ankalaev “jealous” on social media and challenging him to break his records before speaking further.
What’s Next?
While Ankalaev grows impatient, Pereira continues to enjoy a well-deserved break, traveling and recuperating.
Whether the fight happens in May, as Ankalaev predicts, or later, it is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated clashes in the UFC’s light heavyweight division.
For now, fans can only speculate: Will Pereira defend his light heavyweight title against Ankalaev, or will he pursue a move to heavyweight for legacy-defining fights?
The coming months will be critical in deciding the future of both fighters and the division they dominate.
