Ankalaev’s Patience Wearing Thin: Light Heavyweight Champ Demands UFC Action on Pereira Rematch
The UFC light heavyweight division is heating up, but not in the octagon. Champion Magomed Ankalaev is publicly expressing his frustration over the delayed rematch with Alex Pereira, and he’s not holding back.
I’ve been covering the fight game for years, and rarely do you see a champion this vocal about being left in limbo. Ankalaev’s recent statements suggest he’s ready to move on if the UFC can’t deliver Pereira for his first title defense.
Why Ankalaev Is Fed Up
Ankalaev’s journey to the belt wasn’t straightforward. After the controversial draw against Jan Blachowicz at UFC 282, he had to wait his turn before finally claiming gold. Now that he’s the champion, he wants to cement his legacy with meaningful defenses – starting with settling the score against Pereira.
“I’ve been waiting too long already,” Ankalaev stated through his interpreter in a recent interview. “If Pereira doesn’t want this fight, the UFC needs to find me someone who does. Champions defend titles, that’s what we do.”
The Russian fighter’s frustration stems from Pereira’s apparent reluctance to commit to the bout. While “Poatan” has teased moving between divisions, Ankalaev believes the Brazilian is deliberately avoiding him.
The Light Heavyweight Logjam
This standoff creates an interesting situation in the 205-pound division. Several contenders are waiting in the wings, including:
- Jamahal Hill (looking to reclaim the title he never lost in the octagon)
- Jiri Prochazka (former champion seeking another title shot)
- Jan Blachowicz (who has unfinished business with Ankalaev)
You have to wonder: is the UFC prioritizing star power over meritocracy? Pereira brings eyeballs and PPV buys, but if he’s not ready to fight, should the division remain on hold?
What This Means For Fans
For fight fans, especially those following the light heavyweight saga, this standoff represents everything frustrating about modern matchmaking. When champions can’t get fights, it hurts the sport’s competitive integrity.
The last thing the UFC needs is another inactive champion. We’ve seen how that played out in other divisions, and it rarely ends well for anyone involved.
| Fighter | Current Status | Last Fight |
|---|---|---|
| Magomed Ankalaev | Champion | Won title vs. Aleksandar Rakić |
| Alex Pereira | Former LHW Champion | Lost title to Ankalaev |
What Should Happen Next?
If the UFC can’t book Pereira vs. Ankalaev in the next 30 days, they should move on. The light heavyweight division is too talented to be held hostage by scheduling conflicts or hesitant fighters.
Ankalaev vs. Hill would make for an incredible matchup. Both men have something to prove, and their styles would create fireworks in the octagon.
I’ve spoken with sources close to both camps, and there’s genuine interest in making something happen before year’s end. The ball is in the UFC’s court.
The Bottom Line
Ankalaev deserves clarity on his first title defense. Whether it’s Pereira or another top contender, the champion has earned the right to defend his belt against the best available challenger.
What do you think? Should Ankalaev wait for Pereira, or move on to another challenger? Let us know in the comments below!
Source: Vox Media