Magomed Ankalaev Vows to Make Alex Pereira Pay for Fans’ Notorious Booing at UFC 320

UFC light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev promises to silence all haters heading into UFC 320 rematch against Alex Pereira.

Magomed Ankalaev Vows to Make Alex Pereira Pay for Fans’ Notorious Booing at UFC 320

Magomed Ankalaev fires back at Alex Pereira (via MMA Mania)

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The UFC light heavyweight division continues to deliver some of the most compelling storylines in mixed martial arts, with championship stakes and personal rivalries converging on one of the most significant events of the year. At UFC 320, Magomed Ankalaev looks to settle the score against former champion and knockout artist Alex Pereira in his first title defense.

The bout serves as a rematch after the two first met earlier in 2025, when Ankalaev earned a unanimous decision victory to capture the championship. That result ended Pereira’s dominant reign as champion and set the stage for one of the most anticipated return bouts of the year. While Ankalaev was known for his calm and composed demeanor, he has not held back on the trash talk leading up to UFC 320.

Pereira enters UFC 320 as not only the challenger but also the fan favorite, thanks to his crossover star power and highlight-reel finishes that have made him one of the most recognizable names in the sport. Ankalaev has often been criticized for his measured, methodical approach inside the octagon, which some view as less entertaining. That perception carried over when he was booed at the pre-fight presser.

You guys are firing me up. It’s okay, I’m gonna punish your boy. Saturday night, I’m gonna beat him up like he stole something from me.

Magomed Ankalaev via UFC 320 pre fight press conference

Ankalaev’s win in their first encounter extended his unbeaten streak in the UFC, which dates back to 2018. Known for his calculated style and technical approach, he has often been described as one of the most consistent fighters in the sport. With the belt on his shoulder, the Russian champion now seeks to prove that his earlier victory over Pereira was definitive rather than circumstantial.

While not always flashy, Ankalaev’s ability to neutralize elite opposition with precise striking and strong wrestling has made him one of the most formidable forces at 205 pounds. His resume includes key victories over former title challengers such as Anthony Smith, Thiago Santos, and Volkan Oezdemir. However, he is still yet to match the star power of ‘Poatan’ going into their rematch.

The outcome of the rematch will shape the immediate future of the division. If Ankalaev retains, he cements his place as the undisputed king at 205 pounds, while Pereira’s defeat could signal a turning point in his career trajectory. If Pereira regains the championship, the light heavyweight division would once again be thrown into flux, opening the door for new contenders and fresh matchups in 2026.

Magomed Ankalaev’s coach diminishes Alex Pereira’s prowess

The buildup to major UFC title fights often goes beyond the action inside the octagon, with narratives shaped by rivalries, mind games, and bold claims from both sides. In the days leading up to UFC 320, that dynamic has once again come into play, with comments from Magomed Ankalaev’s camp drawing attention.

Magomed Ankalaev's coach takes a shot at Alex Pereira
Magomed Ankalaev’s coach takes a shot at Alex Pereira (via Instagram, MMA Fighting)

Ankalaev’s coach, Sukhrab Magomedov, made headlines by downplaying Alex Pereira’s abilities in an episode of UFC Embedded. He suggested that Poatan’s striking lacks both speed and true knockout power. This criticism stood in contrast to Pereira’s reputation as one of the most feared strikers in the sport, a reputation built on his knockout victories over former champions such as Israel Adesanya.

His technique is standard, his strikes are standard. He’s an old kickboxer. He has no speed. Alex has a punch, but not the kind that can really knock you out.

Sukhrab Magomedov via UFC embedded

The remarks from Magomed Ankalaev’s camp appear to be part of the psychological battle heading into the fight, a tactic often seen when the stakes are at their highest. By dismissing Alex Pereira’s most celebrated attributes, the team may be attempting to ease pressure on Ankalaev while also testing the Brazilian’s composure. How much of an impact those words will have remains to be seen at UFC 320.

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