Alex Pereira is coming into UFC 303 knowing what he wants in the line up of Light Heavyweight contenders.
Alex Pereira Wants to Test Himself against Ankalaev
UFC 303 will be taking place on Saturday 29th June 2024. Alex Pereira will return to the octagon to save the day with another big-time main event rematch. This will be against Jiri Prochazka who Pereira was able to stop in the 2nd round back in November 2023. This fight came about due to the original main event of Conor McGregor against Michael Chandler falling apart.
Normally the MMA community would be expecting a fresh match-up for the champion. This would be the surging Russian contender, Magomed Ankalaev who is currently ranked number 2 in the rankings behind Jiri Prochazka. However, Magomed Ankalaev will have to wait just a little longer before he can get a title opportunity. However, if it makes it any easier the current champion Alex Pereira has stated he wants the challenge. Talking about his match Alex Pereira spoke to Stake and explained;
“Magomed Ankalaev is a guy I would like to test myself against,”
“A lot of people talk about that match up and say that he will submit me really quickly. I would like to shut a lot of those people up and show a lot of my ground game as well. It won’t be an easy fight, but it will be a very interesting fight.’’
While Ankalaev may not be getting the title opportunity against Alex Pereira’s title this time around. Alex Pereira wants to face so Ankalaev so should be next in line.
Ankalaev Out of Luck
Magomad Ankalaev has been able to get a title shot before back in 2022. This was against Jan Blachowicz back at UFC 282 in December 2022. However, this fight would go on to end as a majority draw leaving the vacant belt at the time still vacant.
Since this draw has happened Ankalaev has fought twice both times against Johnny Walker. During their first meeting, it ended after Ankalaev landed an illegal knee. However, Ankalaev was able to get the stoppage victory in the 2nd round when the pair rematched in January 2024. Ankalaev may not have to wait around a lot for Alex Pereira however, will he be able to get the victory or will Alex Pereira be able to successful defend his title
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
