‘It Won’t Be Ankalaev! (Next)

Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

CHAMA!
After Alex Pereira’s monster 2024 year, where he defended his Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Light Heavyweight championship three times, all via vicious knockout (watch highlig…


UFC 310: Landwehr v Choi
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

CHAMA!

After Alex Pereira’s monster 2024 year, where he defended his Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Light Heavyweight championship three times, all via vicious knockout (watch highlights), the mixed martial arts (MMA) world is waiting for his next assignment.

While ‘Poatan’s clear next opponent is No. 1 ranked Light Heavyweight Magomed Ankalaev, it seems as if the Russian might be skipped (again).

Today (Wed., Dec. 18, 2024), Pereira took to his Instagram to post a video of his incredible finish of Khalil Rountree, but the caption said, “It won’t be Ankalaev!” with a smiley face that had tears.

Pereira is a known troll so he could be playing more mind games with Ankalaev. However, suppose Pereira intends to return in March 2025. In that case, that will be in the middle of Ramadan, which forces Ankalaev out of the conversation as he observes Ramadan every year and will be unable to compete.

No matter the situation, Ankalaev should be next as he is riding an 11-fight win streak on top of there being NO ONE else for Pereira to fight (that makes logical sense).

“Sweet Dreams” would like a word, though.


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