Magomed Ankalaev Dreaming About Tom Aspinall Superfight Gets Clowned: “Calm Down Buddy”

UFC light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev talks about potentially moving up to the heavyweight division.

Magomed Ankalaev Dreaming About Tom Aspinall Superfight Gets Clowned: “Calm Down Buddy”

Magomed Ankalaev plans to challenge Tom Aspinall's crown (via X)

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Earlier this year at UFC 313, Magomed Ankalaev stunned the world by capturing the light heavyweight title from Alex Pereira. The Russian defeated Pereira after five hard-fought rounds to secure a unanimous decision victory. Since that monumental win, Ankalaev has yet to defend his title but already hinted at ambitions beyond the division.

In the past, several light heavyweights transitioned to heavyweight, chasing greatness and aiming to capture a second UFC belt. Legends like Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones achieved this historic feat, holding championship titles across two challenging weight classes. Recently, Ankalaev revealed in an interview his desire to replicate that success and eventually move to heavyweight.

I’ve thought about [moving up]… I believe maybe two more fights and I think I’ll move up to heavyweight.

Magomed Ankalev via Ushatyaka

The heavyweight division is currently dominated by Tom Aspinall, who patiently waited over a year to claim his championship position. The British powerhouse aimed to face Jon Jones for unification, but circumstances changed after Jones’ unexpected retirement from competition. Now, Aspinall is set to defend his title against former contender Ciryl Gane in UFC 321’s Abu Dhabi main event.

In the past, Aspinall publicly backed Ankalaev after UFC 313 when fans questioned the decision win against Alex Pereira. Aspinall ridiculed critics who predicted Pereira’s dominance, pointing out their overconfidence following the Brazilian’s underwhelming performance inside the octagon. With most top heavyweights already defeated, Aspinall could get a new rival and thrilling storyline if Ankalaev potentially moves up. 

Fight fans react to Magomed Ankalaev’s decision to move up to the heavyweight division 

Alex Pereira’s light heavyweight reign was nothing short of dominant, as he brutally knocked out several elite contenders with devastating precision. His aggressive, fan-friendly style earned massive popularity, making Magomed Ankalaev’s more methodical approach appear comparatively less exciting to many viewers.

Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev’s title rematch soon
Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev’s title rematch soon (via X)

Consequently, fans demanded an immediate rematch, hoping Pereira could reclaim the title and restore the division’s thrilling knockout reputation. Adding to the drama, Ankalaev recently shifted his online persona, engaging in trolling wars with contenders like Khalil Rountree and Jiri Prochazka.

Despite criticism, Ankalaev teased a move to heavyweight, sparking widespread discussion and polarizing reactions across social media platforms worldwide. As expected, many fans mocked Magomed Ankalaev for thinking about heavyweight ambitions instead of concentrating on his first title defense.

The Russian champion is set to face former titleholder Alex Pereira in UFC 320’s main event at T-Mobile Arena. Ahead of this highly anticipated clash, rising light heavyweight Zhang Miygyang confidently predicted Ankalaev would secure the victory against Pereira.

I think Ankalaev can defend his title because I think Alex Pereira is not as motivated as before…Because he has earned too much money. He’s too rich. I think no matter who you are as a fighter, or as a human being, if you are too rich, you are just kind of [lacking] of motivation [compared to] when you are young, when you are poor, when you are hungry. I think that’s normal. It’s not uncommon, yeah. 

Zhang Miygyang via MMA Fighting 

Many experts believe Pereira’s soaring popularity may have distracted him from rigorous training, potentially impacting his championship-level preparation significantly. Reports suggest Pereira is currently filming for his anticipated Hollywood debut, which has only fueled growing concerns among dedicated fans.

Ahead of their much-awaited title rematch, Ankalaev enters as the clear betting favorite with impressive odds backing him. However, with Pereira’s knockout power, he retains the ability to completely change the fight’s direction with one decisive strike.

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