Russian standout Magomed Ankalaev will finally get his chance at the 205-pound title, as he will face Alex Pereira at UFC 313. After months of being overlooked by ‘Poatan’, Ankalaev’s persistence has paid off, earning him the opportunity to fight for the championship. Just over a week ago, the LHW champ riled up Magomed Ankalaev by posting on X, claiming that Ankalaev wouldn’t be the next fighter to challenge for his title.

As anticipated, the Russian fighter fired back at the Brazilian, reminding him of his responsibilities as both a champion and a UFC fighter. He made it clear that their paths would eventually cross inside the Octagon, a prediction that has now come to fruition. Ankalaev has now made one more prediction which might come as a surprise to many.

Magomed Ankalaev once again mocks Alex Pereira before their clash at UFC 313

There was a lot of speculation about the Brazilian star potentially moving up to the heavyweight division, with names like Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall being mentioned as possible opponents. However, it appears Alex Pereira still has unfinished business in the light heavyweight division, and a showdown with Magomed Ankalaev seemed inevitable. For Magomed Ankalaev, this marks his second opportunity to claim UFC gold since joining the promotion.

His first attempt ended in frustration, as his fight against former champion Jan Blachowicz resulted in a disappointing draw. Now, Ankalaev faces the challenge of taking on Alex Pereira, arguably the UFC’s biggest star at the moment. The question remains whether Ankalaev can finally secure the title this time around. Well according to the Russian fighter, there’s nothing that can stop him from winning the belt this time round. He has once taken to his X account to mock the champion and his appearance at the UFC 311 event.

Pereira was seen enjoying the last event and the fans appreciated his presence. However, according to the 32-year-old Russian fighter, the champion was there to serve a different purpose. Championship Rounds took to their Instagram account to share what exactly Ankalaev said after seeing Pereira in Las Vegas. The caption read, “Magomed Ankalaev says Alex Pereira goes to UFC events for “free alc—l and camera time.” The post also had a message that read, “I’ve been training so hard. March 8 alcohol not help you.” 

In 2024, Alex Pereira competed three times in just seven months, even stepping in on short notice to save UFC 303. His upcoming fight in March will mark his fourth appearance in 12 months. After such a grueling schedule, Pereira has taken time to recover since his last bout in October 2024. Fans can expect a refreshed and reinvigorated ‘Poatan’ when he steps into the Octagon in Las Vegas. It seems the Brazilian is also ready for the upcoming battle.

Alex Pereira issues a warning to Magomed Ankalaev before their UFC 313 clash

Alex Pereira’s rise to dominance in the UFC has been nothing short of impressive. The Brazilian fighter, a two-time Glory Kickboxing champion, transitioned to mixed martial arts with a wealth of striking experience and quickly made a name for himself. His path to the UFC was a mix of anticipation and excitement, with many eager to see how his kickboxing pedigree would translate to the MMA world. His ability to generate power from every angle, combined with his precision, allowed him to defeat his opponents with devastating knockouts.

However, many feel that the Brazilian lacks the ground game and can be vulnerable against a high-class wrestler. Now, with the fight with Ankalaev announced, it seems that question will finally be answered. The Russian fighter from Dagestan is considered by many as the best wrestler in the light-heavyweight division, and it indeed will be a test for ‘Poatan’. But it seems the former dual champion is all fired up for the clash.

The Brazilian Tupi-warrior recently took to his X account to share a message for his opponent and tweeted, “See you soon Ankalaev,”. Pereira’s striking skills, particularly his left hook and ability to control distance, make him a formidable force in the Octagon. His calm demeanor under pressure and his knockout power continue to earn him respect as one of the top fighters in the UFC.

However, he might be up against one of the toughest rivals ever in his division next. Are you excited about the upcoming clash at UFC 313? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.