Tag: UFC 308

Alex Pereira rejects Magomed Ankalaev’s call for title clash at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi: ‘I want to fight sooner’

Alex Pereira rejects UFC 308 clash with Magomed Ankalaev in Abu Dhabi I want to fight soonerReceiving a call out for an October showdown in the Middle East by surging light heavyweight contender, Magomed Ankalaev,…

Alex Pereira rejects UFC 308 clash with Magomed Ankalaev in Abu Dhabi I want to fight sooner

Receiving a call out for an October showdown in the Middle East by surging light heavyweight contender, Magomed Ankalaev, division champion, Alex Pereria appears less than interested in remaining sidelined until UFC 308 – favoring a quicker return to action.

Pereira, the current undisputed light heavyweight champion, headlined UFC 300 last weekend, successfully defending his division crown for the first time in a one-sided opening round knockout win over former champion, Jamahal Hill.

Alex Pereira tipped for success at heavyweight everybody is in trouble against him UFC
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas – USA TODAY Sports

And as for Ankalaev, the Russian finisher returned at the UFC Apex facility back in January, rematching Pereira’s compatriot, Johnny Walker, where he scored a second round knockout win of his own.

Reacting to Pereira’s devastating first round stoppage against Hill earlier this month, Ankalaev vowed to turn his own knockout win against the Sao Paulo finisher, offering him a clash at FUC 308 in October. 

Alex Pereira opts out of UFC 308 return

However, as far as Pereira is concerned, if Ankalaev cannot offer him a return sooner than October, he’ll likely skirt the bout in favor of a quicker comeback fight.

Manager reveals why Alex Pereira won't fight at UFC 301 He has to let the dust settle
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas – USA TODAY Sports

“I don’t want to fight at the end of the year,” Alex Pereira told MMA Fighting. “I want to fight sooner, so maybe that shows he (Magomed Ankalaev) won’t be ready. I don’t know why he said that.”

“This guy is complicated,” Alex Pereira explained. “Honestly, I have to see what’s best. I’m here to fight, but I don’t understand best about other things like where is best [to fight] and where isn’t. If I have to fight there, I will, but if it’s not a date I want, then it’s not best for me. I can say no.”

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Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

Winning light heavyweight gold last November, Pereira dispatched fellow UFC 300 feature, Jiri Prochazka in the pair’s vacant title clash at Madison Square Garden.

Would you like to see Alex Pereira fight Magomed Ankalaev next?

Magomed Ankalaev calls for UFC 308 title fight with Alex Pereira in Abu Dhabi: ‘I will stop you in the first round’

Magomed Ankalaev calls for title fight with Alex Pereira in Abu Dhabi at UFC 308 he has no chinSurging contender, Magomed Ankalaev appeared less than impressed by incumbent light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira’s one-sided win over Jamahal…

Magomed Ankalaev calls for title fight with Alex Pereira in Abu Dhabi at UFC 308 he has no chin

Surging contender, Magomed Ankalaev appeared less than impressed by incumbent light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira’s one-sided win over Jamahal Hill at UFC 300 over the weekend, calling for his own title chase with the Brazilian at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi later this year.

Pereira, a former undisputed middleweight titleholder, and the current light heavyweight champion, turned in his first successful defense of the 205 pound crown over the weekend at UFC 300 – landing a devastating first round KO win over the above-mentioned, Hill in their pair’s main event grudge fight. 

Alex Pereira UFC 300 Zuffa LLC 4
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

As for Ankalaev, the one-time vacant title challenger has been sidelined since he rematched Johnny Walker in January, turning in his own second round KO win to earn himself a Performance of the Night bonus. 

Alex Pereira retains title finishes Jamahal Hill with hellacious first round KO UFC 300 Highlights
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa lLC

And staking his claim for a stunning return to the Octagon in just three weeks time at UFC 301 in his native Brazil after emerging relatively unscathed from his title fight with Hill, Alex Pereira suggested a heavyweight move, and in turn, an interim championship clash against Tom Aspinall. 

Magomed Ankalaev calls for Alex Pereira title clash in Abu Dhabi

However, receiving his own call out after his blistering UFC 300 win, Pereira has been challenged to an October return at the Etihad Arena in the Middle East by the above-mentioned, Ankalaev, who vowed to KO the fan-favorite at UFC 308.

Magomed Ankalaev

“@AlexPereiraUFC vs. me [in] Abu Dhabi,” Magomed Ankalaev posted on his official X account.

“@AlexPereiraUFC congratulation (sic),” Magomed Ankalaev continued. “I will stop [you] in the first round by knockout. @danawhite @mickmaynard2 the man doesn’t have a chin.” 

With his victory over Hill at UFC 300, Pereira turned in his third successive victory at the light heavyweight limit since his move last summer, having taken out Jan Blachowicz with a decision win, which came before a knockout of Jiri Prochazka to win vacant divisional gold.

Who wins in a future title fight: Alex Pereira or Magomed Ankalaev?

Aleksandar Raki?: Magomed Ankalaev A Better Matchup ‘Stylistically’ For Me Than Procházka Was

UFC light heavyweight contender Aleksandar Raki? believes upcoming opponent Magomed Ankalaev will be an easier puzzle to crack than his previous foe. Raki? made his return from a lengthy stint on the sidelines this past April at UFC 300. In what marked his first outing since tearing his ACL opposite Jan B?achowicz at the Apex, […]

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UFC light heavyweight contender Aleksandar Raki? believes upcoming opponent Magomed Ankalaev will be an easier puzzle to crack than his previous foe.

Raki? made his return from a lengthy stint on the sidelines this past April at UFC 300. In what marked his first outing since tearing his ACL opposite Jan B?achowicz at the Apex, the Austrian contender did battle with Ji?í Procházka.

While “Rocket” got off to a strong start against the former champion, he faded in round two and was ultimately stopped by way of TKO inside T-Mobile Arena.

Despite that setback, Raki? has seemingly found himself in another title eliminator this weekend at UFC 308, where Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena will play host to his crucial clash opposite Ankalaev.

During his appearance at UFC 308 media day on Wednesday, Raki? previewed his second assignment of the year.

Interestingly, despite the Russian being labeled a nightmare opponent for striking specialists like Raki?, the 32-year-old Vienna native suggested that the Ankalaev matchup is more favorable for him than his UFC 300 task.

“What makes me really happy is that the UFC gave me Ankalaev,” Raki? said. “I honestly believe that if I didn’t put a good fight at UFC 300 — it doesn’t matter the result, I would never get that fight.

“When I got the fight against Ankalaev, the name, I immediately said yes because he’s number two-ranked behind Ji?í Procházka, who lost twice to Pereira, so this is the best matchup for me,” he continued. “Stylistically, it’s going to be a better matchup for me than Ji?í Procházka.”

Raki? will look to prove as much by getting the better of Ankalaev, who enters Saturday’s pay-per-view in the Middle East riding an unbeaten run stretching 12 fights and coming off a brutal knockout of Johnny Walker in this year’s very first main event.

Continue Reading Aleksandar Raki?: Magomed Ankalaev A Better Matchup ‘Stylistically’ For Me Than Procházka Was at MMA News.

Ilia Topuria Refutes Max Holloway’s Best Boxer Claim Ahead Of UFC 308

Ilia Topuria takes serious exception to Max Holloway’s self-crowning as the UFC’s best boxer. “El Matador” is slated to put his featherweight title on the line for the first time this weekend against Holloway in the headliner of UFC 308, set to take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The lead-up to […]

Continue Reading Ilia Topuria Refutes Max Holloway’s Best Boxer Claim Ahead Of UFC 308 at MMA News.

Ilia Topuria takes serious exception to Max Holloway’s self-crowning as the UFC’s best boxer.

“El Matador” is slated to put his featherweight title on the line for the first time this weekend against Holloway in the headliner of UFC 308, set to take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The lead-up to this much-anticipated clash has been marked by passionate rhetoric between Topuria and Holloway in interviews and across social media. The tension has largely centered on the debate over who is truly the superior fighter, with the undefeated Georgian-Spaniard asserting his ambition to become the first to knock out “Blessed” inside the Octagon.

During the media day interaction ahead of UFC 308 on Wednesday, “El Matador” was asked for his thoughts on Holloway’s persistent claims of being the “best boxer in the UFC,” a title the Hawaiian notably proclaimed after his dominant victory over Calvin Kattar at a Fight Night event in January 2021.

Topuria promptly dismissed the reigning BMF titleholder’s claims, stating that while he acknowledges Holloway’s striking abilities and the experience he brings to the table, he remains confident in his own skills.

Topuria claimed the featherweight title in a stunning upset against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 earlier this year. He currently boasts a perfect 7-0 record in the UFC, with five of those victories coming by way of finish.

Meanwhile, “Blessed” is coming off a thrilling last-second knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 in April, securing the BMF title. UFC 308 will be Holloway’s third attempt to reclaim the 145-pound crown. He boasts a 22-7 record in the Octagon, with 11 of those victories coming by way of knockout.

Continue Reading Ilia Topuria Refutes Max Holloway’s Best Boxer Claim Ahead Of UFC 308 at MMA News.

UFC 308 Backup Diego Lopes Hopes He Isn’t Needed For Main Event Between Topuria & Holloway

Following his decisive win over Brian Ortega at UFC 306, Diego Lopes called to be the backup fighter in Abu Dhabi this weekend. In the main event, Ilia Topuria puts his featherweight title on the line for the first time at UFC 308 when he takes on the former champion, Max Holloway. It’s undoubtedly one […]

Continue Reading UFC 308 Backup Diego Lopes Hopes He Isn’t Needed For Main Event Between Topuria & Holloway at MMA News.

Following his decisive win over Brian Ortega at UFC 306, Diego Lopes called to be the backup fighter in Abu Dhabi this weekend. In the main event, Ilia Topuria puts his featherweight title on the line for the first time at UFC 308 when he takes on the former champion, Max Holloway.

It’s undoubtedly one of the biggest fights of the year so having another top contender on location and ready to make weight just in case is always a great plan B to have in the back pocket. This is especially true when you have someone like Lopes who as we saw earlier this year at UFC 303, is always down to step in there and fight whatever the circumstances are.

The Brazilian is currently riding a five-fight win streak so is seemingly just one win away from earning his title shot but in the case that something unfortunate happens, that could come as soon as just three days time.

However, despite calling for and receiving this opportunity, Lopes doesn’t have his fingers crossed that one man has to withdraw so that he can fight for the title on October 26. Just like all the fight fans around the world, the #3-ranked contender is stoked to watch this incredible match-up take place at the Etihad Arena.

He spoke in an interview with MMA Junkie that though he’s taking all the steps that he needs to take during fight week, he’s excited to watch it go down on Saturday night even if he isn’t involved.

“I’m waiting for everything bro but I’m so excited too to watch the fight. I hope on Friday morning, everything is okay, the guys stay healthy for the fight on Saturday night. I’m so excited for this fight.”

Lopes followed up, stating that though he wants to watch that fight take place this weekend, that will not get in the way of him taking the fight if the UFC pick up the phone.

“Yeah, I hope it is. I hope it is but if UFC need me, I’m waiting.”

Continue Reading UFC 308 Backup Diego Lopes Hopes He Isn’t Needed For Main Event Between Topuria & Holloway at MMA News.

Max Holloway Teases Interest In Facing UFC Champ Islam Makhachev

Max Holloway may still have unfinished business to settle in the UFC’s lightweight division. Holloway is gearing up to challenge reigning featherweight champion Ilia Topuria in the main event of UFC 308, set to take place this Saturday at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Holloway stunned the MMA world with a […]

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Max Holloway may still have unfinished business to settle in the UFC’s lightweight division.

Holloway is gearing up to challenge reigning featherweight champion Ilia Topuria in the main event of UFC 308, set to take place this Saturday at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Holloway stunned the MMA world with a last-second knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 in April, making a strong argument for a shot at the lightweight title. However, divisional champion Islam Makhachev hadn’t considered the new BMF titleholder as a potential challenger at the time.

That said, Makhachev seems open to the idea — if “Blessed” can convincingly take down Topuria in their upcoming bout.

During a recent interview with Demetrious Johnson, Holloway discussed his choice to return to the featherweight division following his victory over Gaethje. The Hawaiian revealed that his return to 145 pounds might be a short-term decision and that he could potentially face Makhachev next year.

“Blessed” stated that going up against Makhachev would be akin to facing UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov, calling it a significant opportunity that could further elevate his already storied career.

Makhachev is riding high after his third successful lightweight title defense, having secured a submission victory over Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 in June. The Dagestani is anticipated to face Arman Tsarukyan, likely at UFC 311 next year, although no official announcement has been made by the promotion as of yet.

Continue Reading Max Holloway Teases Interest In Facing UFC Champ Islam Makhachev at MMA News.