Alex Pereira announced the big news via Instagram on December 18, 2024. The UFC light heavyweight champ posted a reel of his octagon moments, accompanied by the caption: “It won’t be Ankalaev!”
If you are interested in the tea, Alex Pereira seems quite comfortable as the light heavyweight champion following his octagon win against Aleksandar Rakić at UFC 308. His striking is a chef’s kiss but now people are wondering why he has seemingly turned his nose up at Magomed Ankalaev–the literal scary man of the division.
Does Alex Pereira not want the smoke? Or is this just a strategic move to keep the spotlight on him? Some fans are calling for Alex Pereira to face Ankalaev, others think he’s playing it smart by chasing fights with bigger paydays. An X (formerly Twitter) user commented:
"lol of course it won’t, cause he’s scared."
Another user said: "He genuinely fears for his life fighting against Daddy Ank."
Yet another user thinks: "It's ridiculous how scared he is of a guy with elite wrestling. He ain't no champ. Topuria was scared of Holloway but atleast he fought him and somehow won. Pereira is just being annoying at this point trying to avoid wrestlers."
Meanwhile, a user mentioned: "It’s definitely going to be Connor! Haha."
"Aura fading by the day", a comment read.
Another comment read: "he is doing everything in his power to duck us. he is terrified of us."
A user stated: "Ducks like Islam and Alex make us appreciate fighters like Ilia Topuria, who never cherry-pick opponents and always want to fight the best."
Another user said: "I’m pretty sure he just means it won’t be Ankalaev that will take the belt from him."
Alex Pereira’s possible plans
Let’s be real, Alex Pereira’s move here screams strategy. Because the UFC isn’t just about who can punch harder; it’s also about the bag. Here’s a quick rundown of potential fights that could be juicier for Pereira than facing Ankalaev:
Jamahal Hill– A rematch? Say less. Their first fight was a banger, and a sequel could rake in views.
Khalil Rountree– Pereira vs. Rountree would be a straight-up striking masterclass.
Jiri Prochazka— If these two keep winning, a trilogy fight could hit different.
The Ankalaev saga
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Magomed Ankalaev has been grinding his way to title contention. The dude’s wrestling game is elite, and his striking is no joke either. To put it in much simpler words, the guy fights like a human Rubik’s Cube—you can’t figure him out. So, when Pereira said, “It won’t be Ankalaev,” the subtext had MMA Twitter going: “Wait, what?”
You know how kale is super healthy, but nobody wants to eat it? That’s Ankalaev. Beating him would solidify Pereira as an all-time great, but getting there is the real labor.
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