“Guys, is there anyone in the Light Heavyweight division who’s willing to fight me? Because Jiri and Alex do not want to fight.” This was the recent X post that was shared by the new light heavyweight champion, Magomed Ankalaev. The message reveals nothing but frustration on the part of the champion who has been waiting for his first title defense. Former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen is also worried about the way ‘Poatan’ has been dealing with the entire callouts. The Brazilian is known to be one of the most active fighters in the division. Well, this is what his record in 2024 shows after he fought three times in the year.
Recently, news surfaced that the UFC had reached out to both Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira. The promotion had hopes of booking them to headline the International Fight Week card. However, the Brazilian star reportedly turned down the offer. While no official reason was given, the general belief is that Pereira simply needs more time to get ready for a fight of that magnitude.
Well, is preparation the real reason behind ‘Poatan’ delaying his fight? Chael Sonnen doesn’t think so and took to his YouTube channel to share his honest opinion on Pereira’s refusal to fight. The 48-year-old took to his YouTube channel and said, “We know these things. But of the five W’s, who, what, where, why and when? The most important is being when. And are we supposed to move on? Is there something holding that fight up? Is there some backstory?
Sonnen feels the back story is that Pereira might not be interested in fighting the champion. He further added, “And perhaps the whole lesson in this whole thing is, ‘Let’s just put the brakes on a little bit.’ But he hasn’t told us that. He hasn’t really told us anything. We have been told things about him. We have been told that he can fight for the world championship. We have been told by Ankalaev that he has already agreed to fight for the championship. We have been told that everything has been agreed to by every side, meaning the promotion himself and that they are just waiting on Pereira. Should we move on? That’s the question.”
Alex Pereira appeared eager to run it back with Magomed Ankalaev right after losing the title at UFC 313. According to Joe Rogan, Pereira entered that fight far from 100%, dealing with a hand injury and battling norovirus in the lead-up. After competing three times in just one year, it’s no surprise he needed time to recover before stepping back into the Octagon.
UFC313 – Pereira vs Ankalaev LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 8:Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev meet in the octagon for a 5-round main event bout at UFC313 – Pereira vs Ankalaev at T-Mobile Arena on March 8, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada Photo by Louis Grasse/PxImages Las Vegas, Nevada T-Mobile Arena LAS VEGAS, NV United States Copyright: xLouisxGrassex
Well, at the moment, there is no news about the rematch between the two. But the big question is, can Alex Pereira dethrone the champion if they fight again? Ankalaev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, doesn’t think so.
Alex Pereira will struggle in the rematch against Magomed Ankalaev feels Abdelaziz
Once hailed as unbeatable, Alex Pereira’s fearsome reputation took a serious blow earlier this year. In what was billed as his toughest matchup to date, the former light heavyweight king stepped into the Octagon against Magomed Ankalaev. What unfolded was a grueling five-round war where Ankalaev executed a game plan built on pressure, control, and well-timed takedown attempts.
Pereira, known for his lethal striking, found himself stifled and on the back foot. The performance left fans divided and critics harsh, with some claiming the feared Brazilian “spent 20 minutes running” rather than fighting. When the final horn sounded and the dust had settled, the judges were unanimous in their verdict—Magomed Ankalaev had done enough to earn the win.
As anticipation builds for the rematch, Ankalaev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, feels the second fight might just be tougher for the Brazilian. On being asked by the host of Submission Radio, “How do you feel this rematch is going? Because, man, he was really able to dominate Alex in so many areas,” the manager had no hesitation in sharing his honest opinion on the whole.
He said, “It’s going to be a very bad—it’s going to be a very bad night for Alex [Pereira]… Everybody—everybody is scared of Alex. Ankalaev, he understands he can give and he can take. And when you, as a fighter, know that… Ankalaev can hit hard, and he has a way better chin than Alex. And… I think Alex is the toughest fight.”
Who do you think wins between the two if the rematch happens? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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