Magomed Ankalaev is sick of waiting for a rematch date that accommodates Alex Pereira and is prepared to move on to something else.
After taking the light heavyweight title from Pereira (12-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) by unanimous decision at UFC 313 in March, Ankalaev (21-1-1 MMA, 12-1-1 UFC) said he’s been ready and willing for the sequel to be confirmed. He claims multiple dates have been offered, including the UFC 317 headliner during International Fight Week on June 28 in Las Vegas.
Still, though, nothing has been finalized, and it appears Ankalaev now thinks it never will be. He bluntly said Sunday on social media he thinks Pereira essentially is retired and won’t compete again, and therefore he wants to move on to the next contender. (via X):
“Alex (is) done he never coming back,” Ankalaev wrote. “Let’s move on – June, July, August, I said yes.”
If the Ankalaev vs. Pereira rematch does not come to fruition, there is multiple potential opponents for his first 205-pound title defense.
Former champion Jiri Prochazka is the likely leading candidate, Carlos Ulberg is on a seven-fight winning streak in the weight class and on June 21, ex-champ Jamahal Hill meets Khalil Rountree in the UFC on ABC 8 main event in Baku, Azerbaijan.
