Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Magomed Ankalaev Ready For Rematch As He Sends A Menacing Message To Alex Pereira!

New champion Magomed Ankalaev takes a shot at former light heavyweight champion ahead of their potential rematch!

Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

The UFC Light heavyweight fighters have always brought unique intensity to the octagon. From Jon Jones’ dominance to Jamahal Hill’s brief reign, the division has seen many champions. Now another chapter unfolds with Magomed Ankalaev’s recent title victory and the brewing tension for a rematch. The Dagestani fighter’s ascent to the championship has been a long time coming, especially after his controversial draw against Blachowicz back in 2022 that denied him the title the first time around.

After patiently rebuilding his case with victories over Johnny Walker and others, Ankalaev finally claimed UFC gold at UFC 313. He defeated Alex Pereira, the fearsome two-division champion in a fight that showcased his calculated striking and defensive wrestling. The judges scored it 49-46, 48-47, and 48-47 in his favor, though Pereira showed remarkable resilience by stuffing all twelve of Ankalaev’s takedown attempts. This victory places Ankalaev in distinguished company as just the third Dagestani fighter to capture a UFC championship, following the paths blazed by Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev.

Also Read: Opening Odds For Potential Alexander Volkanovski vs. Movsar Evloev Fight Revealed!

Magomed Ankalaev Issues Strong Warning

Ankalaev isn’t resting on his laurels after the UFC 313 win. He recently took to social media with a direct challenge to the former champion. He put out that he is not afraid of the fearsome striker at all.

“Alex, I am ready to give you a rematch, if you really want it. Just be prepared for a storm in the next fight, storm that you never faced in this sport #bigANK”

Magomed Ankalaev sends Alex Pereira a message 👀

"Alex, I am ready to give you a rematch, if you really want it. Just be prepared for a storm in the next fight, storm that you never faced in this sport #bigANK"

(via. @AnkalaevM) #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/AbD5P7KRfI
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) April 19, 2025

This isn’t just trash talk from Ankalaev, it is a promise of an even more dominant performance, which should send shivers down anyone’s spine considering how commanding his first victory was. UFC CEO Dana White had already hinted at an immediate rematch during the UFC 313 post-fight press conference. Both fighters seem eager to run it back.

Concerns About ‘Poatan’

Pereira has been taking time to center himself, even visiting his indigenous tribe to focus on spirituality before preparing for the rematch. But at 37 years old, questions linger about whether fans are seeing the beginning of a decline. “Father Time” remains undefeated, after all, though it occasionally grants extensions to exceptional athletes like Pereira.

Alex Pereira via IG

"Recharging my warrior spirit with the energy of my ancestors" pic.twitter.com/7ubfWz1IEN
— Dovy🔌 (@DovySimuMMA) April 11, 2025

It remains to be seen whether fans would see a reinvigorated Pereira with adjustments to counter Ankalaev’s strategy, or will Ankalaev’s “storm” prediction come true with an even more dominant victory. The light heavyweight division continues to deliver compelling storylines, and this potential showdown promises to be a can’t-miss event for fight fans everywhere!

(Image Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie – Imagn Images)

Alex Pereira

Magomed Ankalaev

Zaid Quraishi

mma

I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!