Magomed Ankalaev News
Carlos Ulberg explains why he prefers to face Magomed Ankalaev over Alex Pereira
Cole Shelton - September 25, 2025
Carlos Ulberg will be rooting for Magomed Ankalaev to defeat Alex Pereira at UFC 320. Ankalaev is set to defend his light heavyweight title in a rematch against Pereira. Ankalaev earned a decision win over Pereira earlier this year to win the belt, and Ulberg is hoping the result will be the same.
Magomed Ankalaev sends a dangerous warning to Alex Pereira
Harry Kettle - September 25, 2025
UFC light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev has issued a pretty clear warning to Alex Pereira ahead of their UFC 320 rematch. Next weekend, Magomed Ankalaev will defend his UFC light heavyweight championship for the first time. He will do so against Alex Pereira, the same man that he beat for the belt earlier this year. As you can imagine, there’s a lot of excitement in the air for this showdown, with many believing that ‘Big Ank’ has enough in the tank to pick up a second win over ‘Poatan’.
Alex Pereira hits out at Magomed Ankalaev following UFC PI close call
Harry Kettle - September 24, 2025
Alex Pereira has lashed out at Magomed Ankalaev following a close run-in between the two ahead of UFC 320. In the main event of UFC 320, Alex Pereira will challenge Magomed Ankalaev for the UFC light heavyweight championship. It comes after Ankalaev was able to take the title away from ‘Poatan’ earlier this year, with many being left to wonder whether or not the Brazilian would be able to turn his fortunes around in the rematch.
MMA analyst questions Alex Pereira's first fight strategy against Magomed Ankalaev
Harry Kettle - September 23, 2025
MMA analyst Dan Hardy has questioned Alex Pereira’s strategy in his first fight against Magomed Ankalaev. In the main event of UFC 320, Alex Pereira will challenge Magomed Ankalaev for the UFC light heavyweight championship. It comes in the wake of their first meeting, in which Ankaalev was able to take the belt away from ‘Poatan’ in a performance that didn’t show the best that the Brazilian had to offer.
Nobody wants to see Alex Pereira fight Magomed Ankalaev again, says outspoken UFC analyst
Fernando Quiles Jr. - August 7, 2025
If you ask one UFC analyst, Alex Pereira shouldn’t have been booked in a rematch with Magomed Ankalaev. Pereira lost the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship to Ankalaev back in March. Ankalaev forced Pereira to fight while moving backward, which was unfamiliar territory for “Poatan.” The constant pressure from Ankalaev paid dividends, as he was able to secure the unanimous decision victory to obtain UFC gold for the first time in his pro MMA career.
Alex Pereira's UFC title run was 'engineered,' says well-known MMA manager
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 13, 2025
A top MMA manager doesn’t believe Alex Pereira would’ve been a UFC champion if Magomed Ankalaev got dibs on a shot first. Pereira reigned as the 205-pound champion with three successful title defenses. After defeating Jiri Prochazka to capture the gold, “Poatan” finished Jamahal Hill, Prochazka a second time, and Khalil Rountree. Pereira’s reign came to an end courtesy of Ankalaev, who had “Poatan” backing up for most of their five-round affair.
Magomed Ankalaev's manager confirms plans for Alex Pereira rematch
Harry Kettle - July 11, 2025
Magomed Ankalaev’s manager Ali Abdelaziz has confirmed plans for a rematch against Alex Pereira later this year. As we know, Magomed Ankalaev is the UFC light heavyweight champion, and he earned that title by defeating Alex Pereira for the strap. We also know that there have been rumors about a reamtch at some point later this year, and it certainly feels like that’s the direction we’re heading in.
Alex Pereira believes he's fought tougher opponents than Magomed Ankalaev
Harry Kettle - June 24, 2025
UFC icon Alex Pereira is of the belief that he has fought tougher opponents than Magomed Ankalaev during his combat sports career. As we know, Alex Pereira fell short in his last UFC outing as he lost his UFC light heavyweight championship to Magomed Ankalaev. Ever since then, fans have been questioning when he’s going to get back in the Octagon – but in a very uncharacteristic mood, ‘Poatan’ has decided to take his time before rushing back into what will likely be an immediate rematch.
Alex Pereira takes shot at Magomed Ankalaev amid social media beef
Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 8, 2025
Alex Pereira has responded to Magomed Ankalaev’s constant digs towards him on social media. Pereira lost the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship to Ankalaev in the main event of UFC 313 back in March. “Poatan” found himself moving backwards throughout the fight, and he ended up losing the gold via unanimous decision. The defeat snapped Pereira’s five-fight winning streak, which included three successful title defenses.
Magomed Ankalaev's manager provides another update regarding Alex Pereira rematch
Harry Kettle - June 7, 2025
Magomed Ankalaev’s manager has provided an update on the UFC champion’s potential rematch against Alex Pereira. As we know, Magomed Ankalaev is the current UFC light heavyweight champion. He won the belt courtesy of a victory over Alex Pereira, in what proved to be a fairly convincing performance by the new king of the division. Of course, there was always a chance that an immediate rematch would be booked, and it certainly seems as if that’s the direction of travel right now.
Magomed Ankalaev makes big statement about Alex Pereira's UFC future
Harry Kettle - June 3, 2025
UFC light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev has made an interesting statement about Alex Pereira’s future. For Alex Pereira, it certainly feels like he doesn’t have anything left to prove in mixed martial arts. He has entered the sport and gone straight to the top, winning belts in two different weight classes. However, in the wake of losing the light heavyweight strap to Ankalaev, some have wondered how much longer he’ll compete in the sport for. There are obviously still interesting fights out there for him to take, but that doesn’t mean he necessarily will.
Israel Adesanya gives his thoughts on Alex Pereira’s chances in Magomed Ankalaev rematch
Harry Kettle - May 30, 2025
UFC star Israel Adesanya has given his thoughts on a potential rematch between former foe Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev. As we know, Alex Pereira is one of the most exciting fighters in all of mixed martial arts. He’s an incredible athlete and has accomplished some great things, but one thing that he’s perhaps known for best is his rivalry with Israel Adesanya. He currently holds a 3-1 lead over ‘Stylebender’ and hopefully, some day, we get to see them run it back once again.
Magomed Ankalaev's manager makes big prediction for possible Alex Pereira rematch
Harry Kettle - May 22, 2025
UFC champion Magomed Ankalaev’s manager has given his thoughts on a potential rematch against Alex Pereira. As we know, Magomed Ankalaev is the current UFC light heavyweight champion. He earned that title by defeating and dethroning Alex Pereira, who is a two-weight world champion in his own right. It was a fairly comprehensive win from the new champ but with that being said, a lot of fans and pundits are still interested in seeing them run it back.
Magomed Ankalaev predicted to defend UFC title against surprising name
Fernando Quiles Jr. - May 19, 2025
Could Magomed Ankalaev’s first UFC title challenger be a surprising choice? Ankalaev captured the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship from Alex Pereira at UFC 313 back in March. Anakalev forced “Poatan” to move back throughout the fight thanks to his forward pressure. Ankalaev’s efforts earned him the unanimous decision victory and UFC gold.
Magomed Ankalaev makes claim regarding possible Alex Pereira rematch
Harry Kettle - May 12, 2025
UFC light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev has provided an update on a potential rematch against Alex Pereira. As we know, Magomed Ankalaev is the king of the light heavyweight division. He earned that title as a result of beating Alex Pereira to claim the belt back at UFC 313. Ever since then, fans have been wondering whether or not we’re going to see these two men run it back for the championship at some point in the future.
Magomedov Ankalaev suspects Alex Pereira is 'done' fighting as UFC fans await rematch
BJ Penn Staff - April 24, 2025
UFC light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev doubts that Alex Pereira wants to continue fighting. Ankalaev captured the UFC light heavyweight title with a close decision win over Pereira at UFC 313 early last month. There has been talk of a rematch between the two stars since soon after they left the cage that night. Unfortunately, the rematch is still not a done deal.
Alex Pereira hits out at Magomed Ankalaev’s coach over cheating accusations
Harry Kettle - March 27, 2025
Alex Pereira has lashed out at Magomed Ankalaev’s coach over accusations that he tried to cheat during their UFC 313 main event. As we know, Alex Pereira came up short in his UFC 313 main event clash with Magomed Ankalaev. Many were hoping that ‘Poatan’ would be able to extend his incredible reign as UFC light heavyweight champion but instead, his run came to an end at the hands of Ankalaev. Ever since then, fans and pundits alike have been calling for the two to run it back sooner rather than later.
Alex Pereira confirms injury prior to UFC 313 loss to Magomed Ankalaev: "I don't want to make excuses"
Josh Evanoff - March 26, 2025
Alex Pereira entered his UFC 313 fight against Magomed Ankalaev with a hand injury. ‘Poatan’ is fresh off his return to the cage earlier this month in Las Vegas. Back for the first time since a dominant knockout win over Khalil Rountree Jr. last fall, Alex Pereira finally met Magomed Ankalaev. The Russian entered the bout riding a 14-fight unbeaten streak, last beating Aleksandar Rakic last October. While Pereira entered the cage dreaming of a boxing match against Oleksandr Usyk, those plans were foiled earlier this month.