Alex Pereira denies allegations he avoided fight against Magomed Ankalaev

Alex Pereira DENIES avoiding Magomed Ankalaev fight:

“You have to sort this out with the organization…”

It’s not my fault Ankalaev has such a boring fighting style that no one wants to watch.”

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September 28, 2024

Alex Pereira claims he never turned down an offer to fight Magomed Ankalaev.

Pereira defends his light heavyweight title against Khalil Rountree Jr. in the main event of UFC 307 on October 5 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Although he is on a five-fight winning streak and four finishes, it was still a bit of a surprise that Rountree overtook Ankalaev for the title.

Ankalaev is currently undefeated in his last 12 outings and will face Aleksandar Rakic ​​at UFC 308 on October 26 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. While many consider Ankalaev to be the rightful contender, Pereira previously suggested that the Russian turned down a title shot against him at UFC 307 due to location and scheduling preferences.

However, Ankalaev's manager Ali Abdelaziz defended his client by claiming he was never offered a shot at the title and instead accused Pereira of ducking. Pereira recently denied allegations of avoiding Ankalaev and put the UFC in charge of the booking. Abdelaziz also said Ankalaev's foregoing gold at 205 pounds was “bulls-t.” In response to Abdelaziz, Pereira asked if the manager thought the UFC top balls were a joke. “Poatan” also criticized Ankalaev’s lackluster grappling-heavy style and suggested that this could be the reason the promotion doesn’t want to challenge him for the title. Instead of ducking Ankalaev, Pereira looks forward to showcasing his previously unseen wrestling skills when the opportunity presents itself.

“Even his manager [Ali Abdelaziz] Right, a super famous guy, a famous guy in the MMA world, says, 'Oh, this guy isn't going to fight,'” Pereira told Kevin Iole. “Go talk to Dana White. But Dana White doesn't want to participate. That's not it [me]. And he says that the fact that Ankalaev is not fighting for the title is a joke. Because the UFC and Dana White and the guys who decide, that's who they are [a] Joke? Are these clowns? That's them [a] Circus? So you [have to] clarify this with the organization. But honestly, it's not my fault that Ankaralaev has such a bad fighting style that no one wants to watch. That the boys don't want to put him in it. I'm ready to fight the guy, he's ready to fight me. So whenever she
[make] During the fight people talk about my position, so this is a good opportunity to go and show everyone.”