UFC Updates: Alex Pereira Accuses Magomed Ankalaev Of Avoiding A Fight Against Him – “I Don’t Know The Reason”

Alex Pereira bashes Magomed Ankalaev

Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev

UFC 307 will mark Alex Pereira’s second appearance in 2024. He will fight Khalil Rountree Jr. in his third UFC Light Heavyweight title on October 5, 2024, at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. However, the ‘Poatan’ wanted to face another fighter, but the latter has often ignored his plea.

Recently, Pereira took to his YouTube and made shocking revelations. He recalled asking the UFC to make him fight Magomed Ankalaev after his bout at UFC 300 against Jiri Prochazka. However, the Russian ditched him, and he had to sign up to face Rountree at UFC 307. The ‘Poatan’ said,

“I’ve always wanted to fight against Ankalaev and I’ve made it clear, but Ankalaev didn’t want to fight me. I don’t know the reason, if it was the location, if he didn’t want to fight. He isn’t the champion, he can’t pick anything. It’s the opportunity that shows up, and he didn’t want it. He has his reasoning, I don’t know what it is.”

Pereira vs. Ankalaev would have certainly been a chartbuster. Moreover, the Russian fighter would have had a chance to headline the main event in a flagship UFC event.

Magomed Ankalaev Calls Alex Pereira A “Lier” After His Recent Claims

The Russian fighter will fight Aleksandar Rakic later at the UFC 308 on October 27. Ahead of his mega-fight, Ankalaev accused the ‘Poatan’ of making wrong claims against him.

After Pereira’s recent comments, Ankalaev himself took the time to clear the former’s claims. The Russian fighter replied to Championship Rounds’ post that had the ‘Poatan’s controversial comments. He wrote,

“This man is a liar. He’s making stuff up. I’m going to punish him after I handle my business.”

Now that Magomed Ankalaev has replied to Alex Pereira, it will be intriguing to see if they settle their scores inside the octagon. Will UFC book a fight between them? Or will it be another classic example of just trash talk? Well, that will certainly be an interesting sight to look out for.