Magomed Ankalaev said he’s “agreed instantly” to rematch Alex Pereira in his first defense of the UFC light heavyweight title, and it’s up to “Poatan” to agree to a new five-round clash.
Ankalaev received a hero’s welcome in his return to Dagestan after claiming the UFC belt in Las Vegas, headlining UFC 313 against the popular Brazilian, and told the local media he’s currently in negotiations with the promotion to define his next move in the division.
“The negotiations are ongoing,” Ankalaev said [h/t Red Corner MMA]. “At the moment I don’t know who will be next for me, but we agreed instantly if they want a rematch. We are ready.”
"We already agreed to a rematch with Pereira": Magomed Ankalaev says he’s open to facing @AlexPereiraUFC in his next fight. @AnkalaevM added however that he doesn’t know if the Brazilian will be his opponent for his first title defense.
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) March 11, 2025
: Ушатайка pic.twitter.com/QVQIRlX2hb
Pereira was one of the faces of the UFC after an incredible rise in the organization with multiple highlight-reel finishes, and Ankalaev admits he’s felt that others were trying challenge them with comments — and by delaying title shots.
“We understand that for a long time they were trying to break us mentally, there were some games against me, but we decided not to stop and keep going forward,” Ankalaev said. “It’s an example for those who want to achieve something not to stop, to keep going forward and everything will work out.”
Ankalaev is now undefeated in his past 14 octagon appearances, a run that includes wins over the likes of Aleksandar Rakic, Johnny Walker, Anthony Smith, Thiago Santos and Volkan Oezdemir. Finally a UFC champion, Ankalaev thanks the hundreds of people that welcomed him back to Makhachkala after a successful trip to Las Vegas.
“I want to sincerely thank all of you for coming here, for your support,” Ankalaev said. “I really appreciate it. I felt it when I was in the USA, where everybody was rooting for my opponent, I knew that back at home everybody will root for me. It gave me a big motivation So I want to thank you all for being with me. May Allah give you good health, and may we all be united in Dagestan.”
Magomed Ankalaev get a hero’s welcome as he arrives to Dagestan’s capital city of Makhachkala with the UFC belt.
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) March 11, 2025
: Ушатайка pic.twitter.com/4gWjp1jfhV
“I knew that back at home everybody was rooting for me!” Magomed @AnkalaevM took a moment to thank his fans upon his arrival to Dagestan.
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) March 11, 2025
: Ушатайка pic.twitter.com/JSbvR6MNVw
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