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Alex Pereira says he wasn’t forced to Magomed Ankalaev, he demanded it.
During Saturday’s UFC 311 event, the promotion announced that Pereira would defend his light heavyweight title against Ankalev in the main event of UFC 313 on March 8 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Despite Ankalaev’s constant attempts to say that Pereira was avoiding a fight with him, Pereira says otherwise.
“I did say I wanted to take a break, but I started training again, feeling good, and started seeing my evolution,” Pereira told ESPN through a translator. “So I called my managers right away and said I want to fight, I want to fight in March, I want to fight Ankalaev.
“I know he keeps saying I’m just an employee of the UFC, I fight whenever they want, but I asked for him. I told them when I want to fight.”
Pereira had a sensational 2024 as champion, knocking out Jamahal Hill, Jiri Prochazka, and Khalil Rountree in a span of six months, while Ankalaev earned his second shot at UFC gold with a decision win over Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 308 in October.
“Poatan” was asked about what Ankalaev brings to the table, and while Pereira respects the surging 205-pound contender, he doesn’t see any more danger than any other bout he’s had in his career.
“As dangerous as any other opponent that I’ve fought,” Pereira said. “Looking at him, the way that he fights, he’s an ordinary guy. Of course, he has his weapons, has his dangers, but I’ve been been training hard. I’ve evolved a lot, and I’m ready for him.”
On Monday, Ankalaev made it clear he plans to definitively end Pereira’s championship reign, writing, “You just sign your death certificate.”
