Alex Pereira contradicts Magomed Ankalaev's "employee" claim, says he was the one who asked for "this fight"

Alex Pereira will defend his UFC light heavyweight title against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 on March 8 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The Brazilian expressed excitement for this matchup, stating he requested the fight despite Ankalaev suggesting otherwise. Pereira, who won the vacant title in November 2023 against Jiri Prochazka, successfully defended it three times in 2024, defeating Jamahal Hill, Prochazka again, and Khalil Rountree Jr.

Ankalaev, the top-ranked contender, cemented his status as the next challenger with victories over Johnny Walker and Aleksandar Rakic. The Russian fighter, known for his well-rounded skills and sambo expertise, previously fought Jan Blachowicz to a draw in a vacant title bout at UFC 282.

This will be his second attempt at capturing the light heavyweight belt. Ankalaev has claimed he plans to stand and strike with Pereira, a challenge 'Poatan' welcomes as an opportunity to showcase his evolved game.

During a recent interview with UFC, Pereira dismissed Ankalaev’s earlier claims, clarifying that he asked for the fight and is prepared for any strategy Ankalaev employs. He said:

“I said I wanted a longer break to rest, but I went back to training and felt I was doing very well. Then I called my manager and told him I wanted to fight. And of course, it would be Ankalaev. He posted something like ‘You're an employee, so you have to obey', but I am the one who asked for this fight, I want this fight and I like this matchup. I have to fight this guy. It's something I've asked for before, but he didn't accept. Now he found his courage, so let's do it. I'm very excited for this fight." [H/t: ufc.com]

Pereira added:

“I'm developing my MMA game all around, I want to show it and I think he's a guy who will allow me to do so. He says he will stand and strike with me and maybe he will, but maybe he won't. I am ready for everything."

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Jiri Prochazka talks about Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev clash

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka shared his thoughts on the upcoming title fight between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313.

Prochazka believes Pereira holds the advantage if Ankalaev commits to a striking battle. However, he acknowledged Ankalaev’s ground game as his strongest asset and a potential factor in the fight. Prochazka hinted that the outcome may hinge on whether Ankalaev stays true to his promise of engaging Pereira primarily in a standup contest.

Speaking at the UFC 311 post-fight press conference, Prochazka said:

"If Ankalaev will keep his word because I'm the man who's taking a word seriously. If you say something and he said he will fight with Alex just in standup... If he’ll keep his word, I think Alex will win. I see his like most power, biggest [strength] is in the ground."

Check out Jiri Prochazka's comments below: