Following his dominant victory over Alex Pereira at UFC 313, newly crowned light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev was surrounded by rumors about his next opponent. UFC CEO Dana White had hinted at an immediate rematch, while former champion Jiri Prochazka was eager to add his name to the list, seeking a shot at the title. With numerous competitors vying for the crown, fans were left wondering who the Russian would face next. Well, finally, we have a major update from the champion himself.
During a recent media appearance, Ankalaev confirmed that talks for a rematch with Pereira have already begun. While he did not officially declare the fight, he made it clear that he was willing to run it back. In his native Russian, he said, “About the rematch, negotiations are already underway. It is not yet known who will be next. But we agreed in advance—if they want a rematch, then we are ready to.” This news comes after the head honcho admitted that Pereira’s reign as a champion was too dominant to dismiss a second fight so quickly. While Pereira is getting a chance to redeem himself, Ankalaev was not impressed by Jiri Prochazka’s unexpected title aspirations.
The Russian champion flatly refused to face the previous champion, labeling him a “fraud” and claiming he did not deserve a shot. “I think you are a fraud, and so many guys deserve it more than you. You need to go and win some fights,” Ankalaev advised. He then doubled down on social media, lashing back at Prochazka with a recent tweet where he yet again confirmed his desire for a title shot. He tweeted, “Alex send this guy to the hospital 2 times, make him sleep. He should not talk or do any interviews. Quiet. Alex is next or whatever, do you want? I don’t care.”
For Magomed Ankalaev, this fight is about making a point. After years of being neglected despite an incredible record, he finally won the title, becoming Dagestan’s third champion after Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev. But if ‘Poatan’ wants his belt back, he’ll have to make the necessary adjustments—because Magomed Ankalaev has no intention of giving it up anytime soon. But what changes can the Brazilian make, and what should his plans for the rematch look like? Well, according to a UFC veteran, it is all about patience.
UFC veteran gives Alex Pereira the key to defeat Magomed Ankalaev
If Alex Pereira wants to reclaim his light heavyweight throne, he’ll need more than just a few small adjustments—he’ll require a complete strategic overhaul. Despite his defeat at UFC 313, the Brazilian knockout artist had remarkable determination, defending all 11 of Magomed Ankalaev’s takedown attempts. However, UFC veteran Michael Bisping believes ‘Poatan’ should approach the rematch with a new perspective. ‘The Count’ believes that patience, rather than aggression or physical preparation, is the real key to victory.
In a recent YouTube video, Bisping encouraged Pereira to take a few months off before returning to the cage. The former UFC middleweight champion even recommended that the rematch take place in Abu Dhabi, where Ankalaev would be the clear hometown favorite. “Go in there, wreck shop, get the belt back, and look for a knockout,” Bisping advised. However, he also emphasized the gravity of the situation, telling Pereira that, at 37, this could be his final chance at UFC gold. “This will be the final chance. If you lose two in a row, you ain’t getting a third matchup,” he warned.
While Bisping stated that Alex Pereira could retire if he fails again, he did not rule out another legendary comeback. “If it was his last fight, what a career. No one’s made a bigger impact in such a short time than Alex Pereira,” he stated. But if the former light heavyweight champion wants to carry on his legacy, he’ll have to adapt. This time, there is no room for error—a loss against Ankalaev would spell the end of his light heavyweight title hopes. So, what do you think? Will Ankalaev face Jiri Prochazka or Pereira next? Let us know in the comments.
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