The surprise announcement that Khalil
Rountree would be next in line to challenge Alex
Pereira in the UFC 307
main event led to speculation that the reigning light heavyweight
champion had snubbed top contender Magomed
Ankalaev.
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That is not the case, according to Pereira. While Ankalaev is
considered to be a difficult style matchup for the Brazilian,
“Poatan” claims that the decision to postpone the bout came from
the Dagestani standout himself.
“I always wanted to fight Ankalaev, and I made it very clear to the
organization, but Ankalaev didn’t want to fight me,” Pereira said
on his YouTube channel. “I don’t know why, if that’s where he would
fight, if he didn’t want to fight… He’s not a champion. He’s not
in the position to choose anything. I think it was an opportunity
that appeared, and he didn’t want to take advantage of it. He has
his reasons, which I don’t know what they are, but I come here to
tell you that I’m not afraid of anyone. I think he made things
difficult, but one day I’ll find him.”
Upon learning of Pereira’s statement, Ankalaev was quick to
respond. Clearly irritated by the version of events presented by
the Brazilian, he denied that he had refused to face Pereira and
made it clear that he is willing to face the Sao Paulo native after
his fight against Aleksandar
Rakic at UFC 308
on Oct. 26.
“You are a liar. Dana White and Mick Maynard never offered me a
fight against you,” Ankalaev wrote on X. “You will eat these words
after I resolve my business [against Rakic].”
@AlexPereiraUFC
you are a liar. You said I turned fire down against you. @danawhite
@Mickmaynard2
never offer me a fight against you. I’m gonna make you eat your
word after I handle my business.— Magomed Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM)
August 26, 2024