"Voodoo is not gonna help you" - Magomed Ankalaev claims Alex Pereira turned down UFC 310, issues knockout warning in X tirade

With UFC 310 in need of a new headliner following Belal Muhammad’s exit from his scheduled bout with Shavkat Rakhmonov, rumors have circulated that Alex Pereira was approached for a main-event spot against Magomed Ankalaev.

Pereira’s cryptic Instagram post, featuring a phone emoji, added fuel to the speculation. Eager to seize the opportunity, Ankalaev took to X, affirming his willingness to fight on Dec. 7 and calling out Pereira directly.

Ankalaev has made no secret of his intentions, urging UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard to formalize the bout. In another pointed post, the Russian contender mocked Pereira’s recent indigenous ceremony photos, writing:

"Focus on MMA, voodoo is not gonna help you my son. I promise all my friends I'm going to punish this guy I will knock him out Inshallah."

In another post, he wrote:

"Fake News I'm the only one who was ready for December but he deserve rest"

Check out Magomed Ankalaev's comment below:

The vacancy has also attracted interest from fighters like Ian Garry and Joaquin Buckley, eager to step in for Rakhmonov. UFC 310 will be held on Dec. 7 at T-Mobile Arena, featuring other fan favorites like Ciryl Gane, Nick Diaz, and Alexandre Pantoja.

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Alex Pereira's team addresses rumors of fighting at UFC 310

Alex Pereira will not be stepping in to save UFC 310 in December, despite rumors suggesting he might take on the role as the main event. Although Pereira previously filled in for UFC 303 on just two weeks’ notice, this situation is different.

After achieving three finishes in three world title fights this year, Pereira has earned a well-deserved break.

Sports Illustrated reported that Ariel Helwani confirmed Pereira has not been approached for UFC 310, and his team has indicated that he already has commitments for the rest of the year. UFC 310 is scheduled for Dec. 7, which would leave Pereira with about five weeks to prepare—still shorter than the ideal fight camp for a world title defense.