Magomed Ankalaev is expected to defend his UFC light heavyweight title in a rematch against Alex Pereira in October, with his manager expressing confidence in Ankalaev’s ability to retain the title.
Magomed Ankalaev has been eagerly waiting to defend his UFC light heavyweight title. His anticipated rematch with Alex Pereira is likely set for later this year.
Ankalaev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, expects the Russian to return in October. There are two pay-per-view events that month: UFC 320 in Las Vegas and UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi.
Fighting in Abu Dhabi might suit Ankalaev, but Pereira’s popularity could pull the event to Vegas. Abdelaziz is confident Ankalaev will hear “and still” by the end of the night.
“Alex is a good fighter, a lion,” Abdelaziz said on the Pound-for-Pound podcast. “But Ankalaev should’ve been champion years ago. If they fight again, it’ll be worse for Alex.”
Ankalaev now has the confidence. He’s faced mediocre strikers before, but he can wrestle, grapple, and strike. “Ankalaev hurt Pereira in their last fight. Alex didn’t hurt him,” Abdelaziz added.
Ankalaev is undefeated in his last 14 fights, including his unanimous decision over Pereira in March. He’s been vocal about scheduling the rematch sooner to stay active as champion.
Abdelaziz believes Ankalaev will successfully defend his title for a long time. “Ankalaev is very dangerous now,” he said. “Alex is 38, travels a lot, has a great coach, but this is Ankalaev’s time.”
“It should’ve been his time before,” Abdelaziz continued. “The UFC was sandbagging him, but now they know what’s coming. They were praying for him to lose.”