Alex Pereira claims that Magomed Ankalaev 'didn't want to fight' as he confirms different fight for UFC 307 comeback

24/08/2024 20:12

Alex Pereira has shut down suspicion that he avoided a fight with top contender Magomed Ankalaev in his next UFC title defence.

The fearsome knockout artist will defend his light-heavyweight belt against Khalil Rountree Jr at UFC 307 in his fourth fight within just 11 months. However, Rountree’s number eight ranking and recent suspension for a failed drug test have left fans scratching their heads over how he got the fight.

Part of Pereia’s dominant run to two world titles has been that he sprints through divisions, and he has already defeated almost the entire top five at 205lb. Now, he faces another top striker in Rountree, while Ankalaev takes on a different challenge at UFC 308 a few weeks later in Abu Dhabi.

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Alex Pereira defends claims Magomed Ankalaev turned down UFC 307 title fight

Alex Pereira last week announced that he would be making his shock return to the octagon on October 5 at UFC 307. He had previously declared that he would be unavailable before November after saving the day for UFC 300 and UFC 303 on short notice in April and June respectively.

It had appeared that Magomed Ankalaev was his clear challenger, but in a video on his YouTube page Pereira claims that his rival was not keen on the fight. “A lot of people ask me, I always wanted to fight against Ankalaev,” he said via translator.

“I threw that to the organisation, 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. 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 has his reasoning, I don’t know what it is. I came to tell you guys, I’m not scared of anyone, everyone knows my history and everything I’ve done and who I went against, not just in MMA but kickboxing.”

Alex Pereira admits he was surprised by Khalil Rountree Jr fight

It seems that it wasn’t just fans who were shocked to see Khalil Rountree Jr get the opportunity at light-heavyweight gold. Pereira himself admitted that he was surprised to see the fight made, noting that the promotion were likely looking for a striking battle.

“I was also a bit surprised when they offered him,” Pereira said during the same YouTube video. “I honestly thought it would be Ankalaev – I think the organization sees it is a guy who will give a good fight.

“They are doing all this for you guys. To please you guys… Ranking doesn’t matter, what matters is the work he has been doing… When they did it to me, I wasn’t ranked, I was quickly ranked… They are doing the same thing. UFC is thinking about you guys.”

Magomed Ankalaev vows to knock out Alex Pereira in two rounds

After last weekend’s UFC 305 pay-per-view, Pereira teased the possibility of moving back down to middleweight to pursue champion Dricus Du Plessis. He last made 185lb in March of last year when he was knocked out by Israel Adesanya in a rematch for the belt.

He quickly moved up to light-heavyweight, and within months had won gold at his new weight when he knocked out Jiri Prochazka. Since then there has been more of a clamour to see him up at heavyweight, but it appears that he fancies a go down a division at Du Plessis.

This clearly irked Ankalaev, who feels that he is being passed over already at light-heavyweight for a world title shot after climbing to a number two ranking spot. He took to social media to vent his frustration, and vow to stop Pereira quickly.

“Alex Pereira biggest chicken in the UFC,” he wrote. “He call out guys middleweight he 40 pound more than them I am the only guy he doesn't even mention my name. I promise I'm gonna handle my business in October and I'm gonna knock you out under 2 round.”

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