Even though UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira and Dagestani powerhouse Magomed Ankalaev are currently scheduled to face different opponents on separate cards, the tension between the two fighters is reaching a boiling point. Pereira, known as ‘Poatan,’ is set to defend his title for the third time against Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 307, while Ankalaev, dubbed the ‘Russian Terror,’ is slated to clash with Aleksandar Rakic just a few weeks later at UFC Abu Dhabi.
But behind the scenes, a fierce rivalry has been brewing, with allegations of “ducking” each other flying around. The feud erupted when prominent MMA analysts, including former champion Daniel Cormier, accused the UFC of shielding Pereira from Ankalaev. “They want to protect that golden goose a little bit,” Cormier remarked, suggesting that the UFC brass may be hesitant to pit Pereira against a threat like Ankalaev.
Fans initially thought both fighters were laser-focused on their upcoming bouts, but the drama took an unexpected turn when Pereira issued a warning to Ankalaev, showing he’s not one to back down. What was shaping up as a simple case of two top-tier athletes preparing for their respective battles has now morphed into a heated narrative, with both men seemingly destined for an eventual showdown.
Alex Pereira’s warning to Magomed Ankalaev
Since his debut in the promotion, Magomed Ankalaev has derailed everyone in his division on his way to becoming the light heavyweight king. Now ranked #2 in the division, ‘Russin Terror’ is just one step away from his dream. five months back, intending to become the division king, he challenged Alex Pereira on X,“@alexPereira vs. Me. Abu Dhabi,” just after ‘Poatan’s successful title defense against Jiri Prochazka. However, UFC head honcho Dana White does not seem inclined to fulfill Ankalaev’s wish anytime soon, pushing his mission a little further away. Frustrated by this situation, ‘Russin Terror’ has taken to social media to criticize Alex Pereira from time to time.
Now fed up with Ankalaev’s verbal attacks, Alex Pereira has responded with a final nail in the coffin, delivering a silencing reply to ‘Russin Terror’. He stated, “I think Ankalaev has to be careful with Rakic…I’m learning what it’s like being anxious. My want? I have to fight against Ankalaev. Show him what I can do. ‘Poatan’ further advised Ankalaev to focus on his fight with Aleksandar Rakic rather than on him, saying, “I think he should watch out for Rakic. He is telling a lot about me…But I think he should focus on this fight, it’s a very dangerous fight for him.”
