Tag: magomed ankalaev

Ankalaev’s Manager: ‘Embarrassing’ If Pereira Avoids Next Fight

Alex Pereira made it clear in his post-fight interview at UFC 307 that he has no plans to leave the light heavyweight division right now. “Poatan” has flirted with both moving up to heavyweight and returning to middleweight but said himself that competing at 205-pounds is a sweet spot for him right now. Though his […]

Continue Reading Ankalaev’s Manager: ‘Embarrassing’ If Pereira Avoids Next Fight at MMA News.

Alex Pereira made it clear in his post-fight interview at UFC 307 that he has no plans to leave the light heavyweight division right now.

“Poatan” has flirted with both moving up to heavyweight and returning to middleweight but said himself that competing at 205-pounds is a sweet spot for him right now. Though his clash with Khalil Rountree in the main event delivered an entertaining fight, many expected Magomed Ankalaev to be his opponent in Salt Lake City.

The #2-ranked contender will instead face Aleksandar Raki? at UFC 308 later this month where if he wins, there surely can be no denying him.

Ali Abdelaziz Says Magomed Ankalaev Has To Be Next For Alex Pereira

In a recent interview with Submission Radio, Ankalaev’s manager Ali Abdelaziz gave his thoughts on the current title picture at 205-pounds. He believes that Pereira’s statement on remaining at light heavyweight gives him no option but to face Ankalaev if he defeats Raki? in Abu Dhabi.

Abdelaziz also pointed to some of his other fighters that have also had to campaign for a long time in order to get their title shots. He said that like the examples he gave, Ankalaev will make up for this long period of waiting by being champion for a significant period of time.

“It would be embarrassing if he did this. He clearly said he’s not running, it would be clearly running but listen, let’s see what happens. Ankalaev needs to focus on Raki? but if I’m a champion and I believe I’m the best in the world, I’m going to fight anybody and listen, remember Islam Makhachev take him a long time to get there but when he’s there, he’s there for a long time.

Khabib, Kamaru, these guys wait for a long time to become a champion, they hang around for a while and I believe this is going to be the deal for Ankalaev.” 

Read also: Khalil Rountree Reflects On Brutal Loss To Alex Pereira At UFC 307: ‘Didn’t Win The Title But I Grew’ 

Continue Reading Ankalaev’s Manager: ‘Embarrassing’ If Pereira Avoids Next Fight at MMA News.

UFC 307: Alex Pereira Explains why the UFC passed on Magomed Ankalaev in place of Khalil Rountree

UFC 307: Alex Pereira Explains why the UFC passed on Magomed Ankalaev in place of Khalil RountreePoatan’ Alex Pereira, the current UFC light heavyweight world champion, will look to defend his crown at UFC 307…

UFC 307: Alex Pereira Explains why the UFC passed on Magomed Ankalaev in place of Khalil Rountree

Poatan’ Alex Pereira, the current UFC light heavyweight world champion, will look to defend his crown at UFC 307 against the top ten-ranked Khalil Rountree instead of the higher-ranked top contender Magomed Ankalaev. Speaking in an interview with the UFC’s Daniel Cormier, the Brazilian striker explained it all.

Alex Pereira

Brail’s Alex Pereira was a former two-division world champion in kickboxing before transitioning to MMA. Since then, he has earned UFC gold in both the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions. ‘Poatan’ is well known to fans due to his stunning knockouts, whether it be by head kick or left hook. He holds the UFC light heavyweight crown and will look to defend it on October 5 against Khalil Rountree.

Alex Pereira

Khalil Rountree

The US-born Khalil Rountree got the nod as the top contender for UFC 307 against Pereira, despite coming off of a PED suspension. However, he was on an impressive string of wins including a stunning KO against former top contender Anthony Smith. He will enter the fight with his signature Muay Thai base style of striking.

Khalil Rountree cleared for UFC 307 after reduced sentence for self-Reported PED violation
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Magomed Ankalaev

The Russian Magomed Ankalaev is top-ranked in the UFC’s light heavyweight division and fought for the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship against Jan Blachowicz. Since then, he has picked up a knockout win against Johnny Walker and will soon face Aleksandar Raki? at UFC 308. But going from the top contender to just another fighter in the division, despite not losing, opened the doors to many questions from some fans and Ankalaev himself.

Magomed Ankalaev plots dominant win over Alex Pereira he won't even touch me UFC

UFC 307

The Brazilian-born ‘Poatan‘ Alex Pereira sat down in an interview with UFC personality, Daniel Cormier and addressed why the UFC would pass over Magomed Ankalaev. He said:

“The UFC presented this fight [against Rountree]. I cannot say I don’t know why the UFC didn’t put this guy [Ankaleev] in the fight because I do know. It’s because he’s boring. He puts on boring fights, so he’s not the first pick of the UFC.” [Ht Sportskeeda]

‘They Don’t Want One More Belt To Go To Dagestan’ – Fans React After Highlight Reel Disproves “Poatan” Calling Ankalaev ‘Boring’

The UFC light heavyweight title is on the line this weekend in UFC 307 but to the surprise of some fans, it will not be Magomed Ankalaev serving as the challenger. Instead, Alex Pereira will be defending his title against the #8-ranked Khalil Rountree in a clash of two of the division’s most exciting strikers. […]

Continue Reading ‘They Don’t Want One More Belt To Go To Dagestan’ – Fans React After Highlight Reel Disproves “Poatan” Calling Ankalaev ‘Boring’ at MMA News.

The UFC light heavyweight title is on the line this weekend in UFC 307 but to the surprise of some fans, it will not be Magomed Ankalaev serving as the challenger.

Instead, Alex Pereira will be defending his title against the #8-ranked Khalil Rountree in a clash of two of the division’s most exciting strikers.

Though there’s an argument to be made for Rountree being more active and coming into the fight on a great run of finishes, many expected Ankalaev to be the one standing opposite Pereira at UFC 307.

The #2-ranked contender is unbeaten since his UFC debut back in 2018 but will instead be facing Aleksandar Raki? later this month at UFC 308.

Those who agree with the decision to book Rountree as the next challenger, instead, will often divert to the argument that Ankalaev isn’t the most exciting fighter to watch, a point that Pereira has also made in the past.

MMA Fans React To Magomed Ankalaev’s Underrated UFC Highlight Reel

A video posted on social media showcased some of Ankalaev’s finishes inside the Octagon as proof that he isn’t the boring fighter that Pereira has labelled him as.

For a Russian contender that has a strong grappling game, he isn’t afraid to strike with his opponents and has always been a dangerous fighter on the feet.

In fact, 10 of his 18 wins as a pro are by knockout with 6 coming in the UFC.

The video shows some stellar finishes including his latest win over Johnny Walker and the front kick that he landed against Dalcha Lungiambula back in 2019.

MMA fans reacted to the highlight reel on social media and the mislabeling of Ankalaev’s style as ‘boring’.

“UFC is saving Pereira from Ankalaev .. more like they don’t want one more belt to go Dagestan ..!”

“Honestly ankalaev is far from boring, not sure how that narrative got placed on him”

“Third most KO in LHW history, great striker who refuses to wrestle most of the time. Anyone who says he’s boring is just biased against DGestanis”

“I think when people say boring, they’re referring to his personality. idk”

“People see the beard and assume another Kahbib clone.”

Read also: Chael Sonnen Explains Why Upset Could Be ‘Brewing’ In Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree At UFC 307

Continue Reading ‘They Don’t Want One More Belt To Go To Dagestan’ – Fans React After Highlight Reel Disproves “Poatan” Calling Ankalaev ‘Boring’ at MMA News.

Alex Pereira Rejects Blame For Magomed Ankalaev’s Title Wait: ‘Such A Boring Style Of Fighting…’

When it comes to the promotion’s decision not to grant Magomed Ankalaev a title shot, UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira thinks the Russian only has himself to blame. Pereira is currently in Utah ahead of his third defense of the 205-pound belt, which he captured last November to secure a rapid rise to double-champ […]

Continue Reading Alex Pereira Rejects Blame For Magomed Ankalaev’s Title Wait: ‘Such A Boring Style Of Fighting…’ at MMA News.

When it comes to the promotion’s decision not to grant Magomed Ankalaev a title shot, UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira thinks the Russian only has himself to blame.

Pereira is currently in Utah ahead of his third defense of the 205-pound belt, which he captured last November to secure a rapid rise to double-champ status on MMA’s biggest stage.

Following knockout wins over Jamahal Hill and Ji?í Procházka this year, many expected “Poatan’s” next assignment to be dealing with a new kind of threat — the grappling strength of Ankalaev.

But despite the Makhachkala native sitting at #2 in the rankings and going unbeaten across his last 12 fights, the promotion went in a different direction. At UFC 307 this Saturday night, it will be the #8-ranked Khalil Rountree having his shot at unseating Pereira.

Pereira: Title Shot Snub Entirely Down To Ankalaev

During a recent interview with Kevin Iole, Pereira looked ahead to his third outing in quick succession, which headlines this weekend’s pay-per-view inside Salt Lake City’s Delta Center.

One of the main topics entering fight week remains the promotion’s choice of opposition for the Brazilian ex-kickboxer. “Poatan,” however, believes Ankalaev’s pursuit of blame can go no further than his own doorstep.

“Honestly, it’s not my fault that Ankalaev have such a boring style of fighting that nobody wants to watch, that the guys don’t want to put him in,” Pereira said. “I’m ready to fight the guy. He’s ready to fight me, so whenever they put that fight. People talk about my ground (game), so there’s a good chance I’m going to show everybody.”

Talk of a supposed lackluster style has long been used against Ankalaev during his rise. But having brutally knocked out Johnny Walker this past January, the Dagestani will hope to further dismiss that narrative when he shares the Octagon with Aleksandar Raki? at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi late next month.

Pereira, meanwhile, has frequently expressed a willingness to meet the challenge of Ankalaev. Before potentially focusing on that next, he must avoid the power shots of “The War Horse” on Oct. 5.

Continue Reading Alex Pereira Rejects Blame For Magomed Ankalaev’s Title Wait: ‘Such A Boring Style Of Fighting…’ at MMA News.

Alex Pereira Reiterates Plan For Middleweight Return Post-UFC 307, Magomed Ankalaev Reacts With Anger

It would appear that UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira’s middleweight tease last month was not a spur-of-the-moment decision. Pereira’s first taste of title success on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage came at 185 pounds, where he unseated Israel Adesanya in late 2022. Having fallen short in his first defense, “Poatan” bid farewell to the […]

Continue Reading Alex Pereira Reiterates Plan For Middleweight Return Post-UFC 307, Magomed Ankalaev Reacts With Anger at MMA News.

It would appear that UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira’s middleweight tease last month was not a spur-of-the-moment decision.

Pereira’s first taste of title success on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage came at 185 pounds, where he unseated Israel Adesanya in late 2022. Having fallen short in his first defense, “Poatan” bid farewell to the division and ventured up to 205 pounds.

Since then, the Brazilian has tasted nothing but success, capturing the light heavyweight gold in his sophomore outing in the division last year and recording two successful defenses at the expense of Jamahal Hill and Ji?í Procházka this year.

Pereira’s next task will be dispatching the third challenger to his current reign, with the former Glory Kickboxing champion set to headline UFC 307 in Salt Lake City against Khalil Rountree early next month.

But defeating “The War Horse” isn’t the only thing on Pereira’s mind.

Prior to his next matchup being announced, “Poatan” teased a surprise return to middleweight, calling out champ Dricus Du Plessis in the immediate aftermath of his victory over Adesanya at UFC 305 in Perth, Australia in August.

Despite having business to attend to at light heavyweight for the time being, Pereira recently took to social media to reiterate that he has one eye on the South African, whom he plans on pursuing regardless of the result inside Delta Center on October 5.

“I’m focused on my next fight and I’m going prepared but you never know what can happen, so regardless of the result I want to go down one more time to the middleweight and go for the belt,” Pereira wrote. “Hey Dricus, bring your will to fight me so you can prove that you are better than me, with your public statement it is easy to make this happen, Chama ?”

Ankalaev Slams Pereira In Response To Fresh MW Ambitions: ‘You Are Weak!’

One man who was quick to take aim at Pereira for his callout of Du Plessis last month was Magomed Ankalaev, the current #2-ranked light heavyweight contender.

The Dagestani has been calling for his shot ever since the champ’s quick knockout of Hill at UFC 300. But after being passed up in favor of “BJP” this past July and the lower-ranked Rountree this fall, many have questioned the promotion’s apparent reluctance to grant Ankalaev a shot.

And although it appears that a victory over Aleksandar Raki? at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi late next month would make his claim undeniable, Pereira’s newfound ambitions of a second middleweight reign could present yet another hurdle.

That fact has unsurprisingly frustrated Ankalaev, who took to X shortly after Pereira’s post to brand him “weak” for continuing to avoid him.

“You are so weak @AlexPereiraUFC you only pick on the guys who are in lower division than you and you think you can beat them people are not stupid there is a reason why you are fighting Khalil and not me,” Ankalaev wrote.

For now, both Pereira and Ankalaev have opponents to deal with in October. Should the latter emerge victorious, calls for him to be placed opposite “Poatan” next time out will no doubt only increase.

Continue Reading Alex Pereira Reiterates Plan For Middleweight Return Post-UFC 307, Magomed Ankalaev Reacts With Anger at MMA News.

Magomed Ankalaev Ducked Alex Pereira According to Poatan: “I’m Not Scared Of Anyone”

Alex Pereira Magomed AnkalaevMagomed Ankalaev has been butchering the competition in the UFC’s light heavyweight division, but according to the champion, Alex…

Alex Pereira Magomed Ankalaev

Magomed Ankalaev has been butchering the competition in the UFC’s light heavyweight division, but according to the champion, Alex Pereira, Ankalaev doesn’t want to fight him for the title.

The champion has now been paired with Khalil Rountree Jr., and the duo will fight at UFC 307 on October 5th. This matchup has left some MMA fans scratching their heads because although Rountree is riding an impressive win streak, he is still only #8 in the light heavyweight rankings.

Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira would seem like the most sensible matchup on paper, but according to ‘Poatan’, Ankalaev is either unwilling or unable to face him.

Magomed Ankalaev Allegedly doesn’t want to fight Alex Pereira

Speaking in a YouTube video, the UFC’s light heavyweight champion decided to set things straight about his choice of opponent for UFC 307 and why it’s not the man almost everybody believes to be the #1 contender.

“I always wanted to fight against Ankalaev,” Alex Pereira said. “I threw that to the organization (the UFC). Left it very clear. But Ankalaev didn’t want to fight against me. I don’t know the reason. If it was the location, if he just didn’t want to. He isn’t the champion, he can’t pick anything. I think it’s the opportunity that shows up, he didn’t want it.”

“He (Magomed Ankalaev) has his reasoning,” Pereira continued. “I don’t know what it is… I’m not scared of anyone. Everybody knows my history. Everything I’ve done. Who I went against. Not just MMA but also Kickboxing. I’m doing an excellent job. It’s obvious I want to fight this guy. I’m a competitive guy, not just controlling the emotion, but also the reasoning. Training good, learning, evolving every day.”

Some sources have also pointed to visa issues as the main reason Ankalaev turned down the fight. In fact, Ankalaev even responded to this YouTube video by Alex Pereira, claiming that the champion was lying.

What do you think about this situation?