Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev seems to be the most logical next Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Light Heavyweight title fight.
At UFC 303, the current champion, Pereira, became the first 205-pound titlist to successfully defend the division’s title multiple times since Jon Jones in 2020. “Poatan” heard “and still” after he knocked out Jiri Prochazka (watch highlights) in round two last month (June 29, 2024).
The recent Prochazka match up was a short-notice rematch for Pereira as the two helped save the day when Conor McGregor fell out of his original main event against Michael Chandler. The odd man out of the whole picture has been Ankalaev, who sits at No. 2 in the official UFC rankings. Assuming he gets his second career title shot in the form of a Pereira clash, Ankalaev expects complete dominance.
“I think with his speed he won’t even touch me,” Ankalaev told Aslanbek Badaev (h/t Red Corner MMA). “Best what he can get me with is a low kick. I am very confident. I believe I can beat him standing. I guarantee that. As I said in my posts. I can just stand and bang with him. I really want to destroy him, put my hands on him, and show that I am better than him.”
Ankalaev, 32, hasn’t fought since he extended his 12-fight unbeaten streak when he knocked out Johnny Walker in round two (watch highlights) of their rematch in January 2024. The Russian’s first title bout came opposite Jan Blachowicz when they fought to a split draw in December 2022.
If Pereira, 37, doesn’t decide to stay at Light Heavyweight and keep defending his title, more history could be made in discussed attempts at Heavyweight competition.