In the world of MMA, surprises are always possible, but according to Ali Abdelaziz, manager of Magomed Ankalaev, the next UFC light heavyweight title fight is all but confirmed.
UFC 205-pound champion Alex Pereira (12-2 MMA, 9-1 UFC) has suggested that the UFC may have other plans for his next fight, but Abdelaziz remains confident that Pereira’s next opponent will be his client, Magomed Ankalaev (19-1-1 MMA, 10-1-1 UFC).
Abdelaziz believes Pereira’s comments may be a form of strategic gamesmanship, but he remains firm in his belief that the fight is set.
“Alex Pereira can say whatever he wants. He’s a killer. He fought three times in 167 days,” Abdelaziz said. “He can say whatever he wants because he’s earned that right. But the reality is that Pereira and Ankalaev will face each other in the cage next. The UFC can maneuver or delay things, but at the end of the day, the best fighters face off in the UFC. The promotion doesn’t involve much politics. If you keep winning, you earn your title shot.”
Ankalaev has certainly earned his place as a top contender. The Russian fighter, whose only career loss came from a shocking submission by Paul Craig, has since built an impressive nine-fight win streak. After securing a draw with Jan Blachowicz for the vacant light heavyweight title, Ankalaev solidified his position with a knockout win over Johnny Walker and a decision victory against Aleksandar Rakic in October.
Abdelaziz said Ankalaev is eager to prove himself against Pereira. Despite Pereira’s striking prowess, Ankalaev is confident in his own abilities. “Ankalaev told me, ‘I’m not wrestling with him. I’m going to show everybody why, if Israel Adesanya can knock this guy out, I can do it better. Izzy can’t even wash my boots in striking. I’m going to knock Alex Pereira out and finally get the respect I deserve,'” Abdelaziz shared.
While Ankalaev’s confidence is high, he acknowledges the challenge ahead of him. Pereira, a former middleweight champion, defended his light heavyweight title three times in 2024 and has become one of the UFC’s biggest stars.
Abdelaziz believes that Ankalaev has the tools to win, but recognizes the difficulty of the task. “It’s going to be a long test to strike with Pereira, but I believe Magomed Ankalaev can do it,” he said.
The highly anticipated fight between Pereira and Ankalaev is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing matchups in the UFC’s light heavyweight division. Fans eagerly await the clash of these two elite fighters.
