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Islam Makhachev reacts to Demetrious Johnson being denied UFC PI entry, Theo Von teases new podcast with Joe Rogan and Magomed Ankalaev wants to knockout Alex Pereira.
Find out more details in today's (Jan. 8) Sportskeeda daily news roundup.
#3 Islam Makhachev reacts to Demetrious Johnson being denied entry to the UFC PI
Islam Makhachev recently expressed his surprise that Demetrious Johnson has been denied entry to the UFC Performance Institute because he isn't an active fighter on the roster.
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In a recent interview with Makhachev on his YouTube channel, 'Mighty Mouse' stated that he's been told he can't go to the PI in Las Vegas because he's not a current fighter. He said:
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"They'll be like, 'Sir, you're not on the roster. You can't be here right now. Get the f**k out.'"
The lightweight champion was stunned by the revelation, revealing that Khabib Nurmagomedov is allowed to enter the PI whenever he likes:
"Khabib can go [whenever he wants]... I don't agree. You have more [achievements]. Eleven times you defended the belt. You can come [kick] open the door with your legs and come inside... The head of the UFC PI, Forrest Griffin, I think he's your friend."
Catch the pair's comments here (22:35):
#2 Theo Von teases new Joe Rogan podcast episode
Comedian and podcaster Theo Von recently teased fans about his latest appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience (JRE), after sharing photographs of himself with Rogan at the UFC commentator's podcast studio.
Von has been a regular on the show over recent years, with the comedian and Rogan building up a friendship and status as hosts of two of the biggest podcasts in the world. Whilst no details about when the episode will drop have been released, Von has kept fans on their toes with two posts on his social media.
Check out Theo Von's posts here:
#1 Magomed Ankalaev believes he can knock out Alex Pereira, says his manager
Magomaed Ankalaev is expected to be the next challenger for Alex Pereira's UFC light heavyweight title after he cemented himself as the No.1 contender with an impressive showing in 2024.
Ankalaev faced and defeated both Johnny Walker and Aleksandar Rakic to climb the rankings in a year that also saw 'Poatan' defend the title on three occasions. While their fight has yet to be confirmed, many believe Ankalaev will apply a wrestle-heavy approach to his potential bout against the Brazilian.
According to Ankalaev's manager, however, that might not be the case. Ali Abdelaziz was recently interviewed by MMA reporter Kevin Iole, where he revealed that Ankalaev is actually planning on standing with Pereira and knocking him out. He said:
"[Ankalaev] promised me, he said, 'I'm gonna stand toe to toe with Pereira. I think he's chinny. I believe I'm gonna knock him out in under three rounds.' Listen, if Israel Adesanya can knock him out, then you don't think Ankalaev can knock him out?"
Catch Abdelaziz's comments here (3:15):
