Magomed Ankalaev faces Aleksandar Rakic simply three weeks after Alex Pereira defends his UFC gentle heavyweight title in opposition to Khalil Rountree at UFC 307, and he isn’t pleased to see Pereira declare he turned down a shot at gold.
Pereira just lately posted a video on his YouTube channel claiming that he anticipated to face Ankalaev subsequent, however the Russian “didn’t wish to battle me.” It didn’t take lengthy for Ankalaev to take to social media to refute the claims and say he was by no means provided the chance.
“@AlexPereiraUFC you’re a liar. You mentioned I turned fireplace down in opposition to you @DanaWhite, @MickMaynard2 by no means provide me a battle in opposition to you. I’m gonna make you eat your phrase after I deal with my enterprise.”
Pereira vs. Rountree headlines UFC 307 on Oct. 5 in Salt Lake Metropolis, whereas Ankalaev attracts Rakic on Oct. 26 at UFC 208 in Abu Dhabi.
In his video, Pereira claimed he “at all times needed to battle in opposition to Ankalaev” after defending his 205-pound belt with a knockout over Jiri Prochazka at UFC 300, nonetheless the one-time title challenger “has made issues tough.”
“I don’t know the rationale, if it was the situation, if he didn’t wish to battle,” Pereira mentioned of Ankalaev. “He isn’t the champion, he can’t choose something. It’s the chance that reveals up and he didn’t need it. He has his reasoning, I don’t know what it’s. However I got here right here to inform you I’m not frightened of anybody. Everybody is aware of my historical past and all the pieces I’ve completed, not solely in MMA, however in kickboxing as nicely. It’s apparent that I wish to battle this man.”
