Alex Pereira Faces Accusation of Ducking International Fight Week Fight Against Magomed Ankalaev

Newly crowned UFC light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev mocks Alex Pereira for allegedly ducking and not signing the contract.

Alex Pereira Faces Accusation of Ducking International Fight Week Fight Against Magomed Ankalaev

Magomed Ankalaev believes Alex Pereira isn't ready to fight him next (via X)

From one of the most active UFC fighters to being called a duck, perception of Alex Pereira has shifted dramatically recently. After losing his UFC light heavyweight title to Magomed Ankalaev, Pereira has expressed strong interest in avenging the tough defeat. Although Ankalaev is reportedly open to a rematch, certain complications have stalled efforts to make the championship fight official again.

At UFC 313, Ankalaev delivered a clinical performance, defeating Pereira by unanimous decision and silencing the surrounding hype. Ankalaev recently claimed he has already signed the contract for their title rematch, but Pereira has yet to commit officially. In a recent tweet, the Russian confirmed the fight was almost booked for July, though he doubts Pereira will actually show up.

I was offered to Fight Alex international fight week if the man don’t want it let’s move on I’m ready for everyone. I dare you.

Magomed Ankalaev via X 

Ankalaev posted this shortly after Pereira’s drama with UFC regarding matchmaking and negotiations. Recently, Pereira threatened to leave the UFC, claiming negotiation issues were causing tension and possibly jeopardizing his future within the promotion. Later, he deleted the post and claimed his account was hacked, denying any existing problems with UFC leadership or Dana White.

However, experts like UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier quickly dismissed the entire story, calling it unlikely and speculative. Cormier suggested the UFC offered Pereira a fight during International Fight Week, which the Brazilian champion possibly declined. This potential rejection may have forced the UFC to find Ankalaev another opponent, leaving Pereira frustrated and feeling disrespected.

Many UFC fans believed this theory, triggering widespread criticism toward Pereira for allegedly avoiding the light heavyweight champion’s challenge. Ankalaev’s recent tweet intensified the backlash, damaging Pereira’s once-intimidating aura and raising questions about his willingness to fight. It remains to be seen how the UFC handles the situation involving one of its top pay-per-view drawing stars.

Alex Pereira’s superstar status doesn’t help him in negotiations?

Alex Pereira has repeatedly saved the UFC by accepting high-stakes fights on short notice without creating any backstage issues or demands. At UFC 295, he replaced Jon Jones in the main event and knocked out Jiri Prochazka with an incredible performance. Then at UFC 300, Pereira headlined the milestone event, delivering a spectacular first-round knockout over Jamahal Hill with a month’s preparation time. 

Alex Pereira's superstar status doesn't help
Alex Pereira’s superstar status doesn’t help (via MMA Fighting)

Pereira’s striking style, warrior mentality, and willingness to fight frequently make him incredibly valuable to UFC’s promotional and financial success. With each appearance, he drives massive ticket and PPV sales, reportedly exceeding $10 million in live gate at UFC 313 alone, proving his star power. However, all this doesn’t make him immune to getting sidelined by the UFC and MMA veteran, Josh Thomson, talked about it recently. 

Everyone is dispensable, no one is safe these days. No one is safe, Conor is not safe, Alex is not safe, it does not matter who you are. It doesn’t matter. The sport is now officially bigger than any athlete. It does not matter, and you know if you’re a fighter, you do not have anywhere else to go that will make you the same amount of money.

Josh Thomson via WEIGHING IN Podcast 

Despite being massive superstars, Conor McGregor and Pereira aren’t untouchable when it comes to UFC contracts or business negotiations. The UFC holds more power than any individual fighter, controlling matchmaking, promotion, and financial terms with little room for opposition. With a deep roster and growing international talent, the UFC has multiple options and isn’t dependent on one or two names.

Even megastars can be sidelined or underpaid if they don’t align with Dana White and the promotion’s long-term plans. In 2023, former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou left the promotion in his prime because of pay disputes. While he got more success outside of UFC, those cases are rare, and not everyone can take the risk.  

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