“Will knock him out” – Top light heavyweight contender Magomed Ankalaev promises to stop Alex Pereira’s championship reign

Magomed Ankalaev is not going to rest until he gets the Alex Pereira title fight.

“Will knock him out” – Top light heavyweight contender Magomed Ankalaev promises to stop Alex Pereira’s championship reign

Magomed Ankalaev is ready to knock out Alex Pereira in a potential title fight (via Imago)

Magomed Ankalaev is the only top light heavyweight who has yet to fight Alex Pereira. After becoming the champion, the Brazilian established his dominance, dropping fighters like Jamahal Hill and Jiri Prochazka. However, Ankalaev has now issued a fresh warning towards ‘Poatan’.

Magomed Ankalaev has been calling out Alex Pereira for some time now. After his latest victory at UFC 303, Pereira solidified himself as one of the best strikers on the UFC roster. However, according to Ankalaev, Pereira’s striking is overrated and he will expose the champion soon. In the latest tweet, Ankalaev claimed that he would end Pereira. 

@AlexPereiraUFC kept away from me for a reason, and I do understand this is business  @ufc best fight  the best and he is the best for now I will keep my work. I will knock him out. @Mickmaynard2 @danawhite  nothing better than you’ve seen an event somebody going to sleep
Magomed Ankalaev via X

Pereira’s power has been proven to be his greatest asset. His iconic left hook is enough to put anybody to sleep. Many fans and experts believe that Pereira is yet to be tested on the ground. Given his wrestling background, Ankalaev might be the best fighter to do so. Although Pereira has previously warned the Russian about his ground game, Ankalaev doesn’t think he needs takedowns to beat Pereira. 

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Pereira recently got an invitation from heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua to try his luck in boxing. After the Brazilian gave a positive response, Ankalaev accused the fighter of running away. On the other hand, Ankalaev also got a call-out from Pereira’s last opponent Jiri Prochazka, but the fighter doesn’t seem to have any interest in the ‘Samurai’

Magomed Ankalaev shuts down callout from former champion

Jiri Prochazka was confident to get his revenge against Alex Pereira at UFC 303. However, the reality was vastly different and he got knocked out in the second round. This prompted fans to raise questions about his future in the light heavyweight division. Prochazka expressed that he still has the potential to stop Pereira but that will require the right preparations. 

Magomed Ankalaev doesn't want to fight Jiri Prochazka
Magomed Ankalaev doesn’t want to fight Jiri Prochazka (via X)

In the meantime, the fighter wanted to fight other top light heavyweights including Jamahal Hill, Magomed Ankalaev, etc. However, Ankalaev clearly denied the call-out and suggested ‘BJP’ consider dropping down the weight class. 

Go to Middleweight you too small
Magomed Ankalaev via X

Since Alex Pereira became champion, the light heavyweight division has taken off. It is now one of the most interesting weight classes in the UFC. On top of it, Pereira’s popularity is another big reason for the ongoing engagement in the division. With top fighters contending for the king’s crown, it will be interesting to see what the future holds. 

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