It would seem the ball is firmly already rolling when it comes to a second dance between newly crowned UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira.
Ankalaev made good on his promise to bring Pereira’s reign to an end at this month’s UFC 313 pay-per-view, which the pair headlined inside Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.
While “Poatan’s” takedown defense held firm, he was unable to establish his usual dominance in the striking realm and fell to a unanimous decision defeat on the scorecards.
Despite the manner of the loss, both the former 205-pound kingpin and his successor welcomed a rematch in the aftermath, and that received a green light from UFC CEO Dana White.
Evidently, it hasn’t taken long for the promotion to begin organizing that.
While responding on X to suggestions Pereira fought compromised in the March 8 main event, Magomed Ankalaev claimed to have been offered his first defense against Pereira for this coming August.
“Joe Rogan mentioned his team said that Alex fought with a broken hand and Norovirus, when fighters step in the cage nobody is 100%. I was offered a rematch with him in August and I said yes, but if he is not ready I will fight whoever is next it doesn’t matter.”
That timeline might come as a surprise to many, given the expectation that Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira would renew hostilities for the UFC’s annual October PPV event in Abu Dhabi.
