Magomed Ankalaev spills behind-the-scenes of accepting Alex Pereira rematch moments after UFC 313

Newly-crowned UFC light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev drops massive hints about a potential rematch with Alex Pereira.

Magomed Ankalaev spills behind-the-scenes of accepting Alex Pereira rematch moments after UFC 313

Magomed Ankalaev is ready for an immediate rematch against Alex Pereira (Image via UFC/X)

The T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada held one of the highly anticipated fights in the UFC last weekend. With Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev clashing, the UFC light heavyweight championship was at stake. However, following the outcome of the fight, Ankalaev in particular is eager to face off against Pereira again.

Alex Pereira was on the verge of achieving a record-breaking feat at UFC 313. However, Magomed Ankalaev came in ready to challenge the Brazilian MMA fighter. After a hard-fought five-round battle, Ankalaev emerged as the victor. Given the closely contested nature of the fight, the new UFC light heavyweight champion is open to an immediate rematch.

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The negotiations are ongoing. At the moment I don’t know who will be next for me, but we agreed instantly, if they want a rematch, we are ready.

Magomed Ankalaev via YouTube (@Ushatayka)

Interestingly, since transitioning to the UFC light heavyweight division, Pereira has proven to be an unstoppable force. He has successfully defended his titles against several formidable competitors at 205 lbs until facing off against Ankalaev. Notably, the new UFC light heavyweight champion has always dismissed Pereira as the true champion of the division.

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Due to bad blood, they entered their clash at UFC 313 with intense animosity. However, onlookers witnessed Pereira struggle to adapt to Ankalaev’s game plan. Many, including UFC CEO Dana White, are quite interested in a rematch between these two top light heavyweight fighters. It will be interesting to see how soon the promotion schedules that fight.

Newly-crowned UFC champion Magomed Ankalaev gets a grand welcome at his hometown

Aside from his promotional debut fight, Magomed Ankalaev hasn’t lost any of his matches in the UFC. However, at UFC 313, it was his second opportunity in the UFC light heavyweight division. Initially, at UFC 282, the Dagestani fighter had the chance to become the champion by defeating Jan Blachowicz. Unfortunately, the fight ended in a draw, and Ankalaev was unable to capitalize on that opportunity.

Magomed Ankalaev in action against Alex Pereira at UFC 313
Magomed Ankalaev in action against Alex Pereira at UFC 313 (Image via UFC)

In his second attempt to win the UFC light heavyweight title, Ankalaev did everything possible to defeat Alex Pereira. As a result, when he visited the people of Dagestan, he openly acknowledged the achievement of the new light heavyweight champion in the promotion.

In the UFC community, Russian fighters, particularly those from Dagestan, have built a strong reputation as formidable competitors. Over the years, many standout fighters have emerged from this region. Notable UFC champions like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev are prime examples. Following UFC 313, Ankalaev has now joined this elite group.