Magomed Ankalaev is looking to get his first title defense and Alex Pereira might not be on the list! After having one of the biggest moments of his career, Ankalaev became the light heavyweight champion by beating Alex Pereira. However, now that significant time has passed, Ankalaev is looking to defend his title for the first time. Unfortunately, he is not getting a suitable opponent as of now. And for Pereira, the Russian champion has a grim prediction.
In a recent statement, the champion opined that Pereira might not be interested in fighting him. In fact, Ankalaev also predicted that we might have seen the last of ‘Poatan’ in the UFC. The Russian champion added that he was ready for a fight in June, July, and August.
“Alex done he never coming back let’s move on. June July August I said yes,” said Ankalaev.
Magomed Ankalaev says he was offered to fight Alex Pereira in June, July and August and has accepted every offer
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 1, 2025
"Alex done he never coming back let’s move on. June July August I said yes." 😬
(via. @AnkalaevM) #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/fPUph55bs6
Now, these are, of course, Ankalaev’s theory. There is no confirmed update from Pereira about him leaving the promotion. And by the looks of it, ‘Poatan’ still wants his rematch against the newly crowned champion. Meanwhile, returning to Ankalaev, not only Pereira but also Jiri Prochazka turned him down for a fight.
Jiri Prochazka Turns Down Fight With Magomed Ankalaev
Magomed Ankalaev had previously stated that Pereira declined a fight with him. While ’Poatan’ asked for more time, Ankalaev was in search of an alternate fighter. Soon, the former champion, Jiri Prochazka, was provided with the offer. Unfortunately for Ankalaev, Prochazka too, decided to turn down the offer, much to the agony of Ankalaev.
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“Alex Pereira don’t want the Ank anymore. Let’s leave him alone because I’m not a bully. Fake ninja [Jiri] said he have to go back to school because he cannot read,” said Anakalev.
Magomed Ankalaev reacts to Jiri Prochazka and Alex Pereira turning down a fight against him:
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 18, 2025
"Alex Pereira don't want the Ank anymore. Let's leave him alone because I'm not a bully.
Fake ninja [Jiri] said he have to go back to school because he cannot read." 😳#UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/G6VRgGBNVD
Thus, with the light heavyweight realm looking complicated, it remains to be seen how things pan out in the future.
Also Read: After Alex Pereira THIS Light Heavyweight Star Too Turned Down Title Fight With Magomed Ankalaev
