The heat is rising as UFC 313 draws near. Touted as one of the hardest fights of his career, Alex Pereira will be facing Magomed Ankalaev for the UFC light heavyweight championship. And ahead of the fight, both the fighters seem to be oozing confidence. While Ankalaev has been constantly taking shots at Poatan, Pereira recently hit back at the Russian with a hilarious dig.
Speaking with Ariel Helwani recently, Pereira looked to be in a jolly mood. Discussing the outcome of UFC 313, Pereira stated that Ankalaev must do whatever he has claimed. Otherwise, he will be in for a humiliating ride as Pereira plans to make fun of him.
“If [Ankalaev] doesn’t back up what he says, people have already seen me making fun of my other opponents. Sometimes I joke and stuff, but this is the guy I’m really going to make fun of,” said Pereira.
Alex Pereira sends a message to Magomed Ankalaev:
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) January 27, 2025
"If [Ankalaev] doesn't back up what he says, people have already seen me making fun of my other opponents.
Sometimes I joke and stuff, but this is the guy I'm really going to make fun of." 😳
(via. @arielhelwani) #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/AlCK3zOu6L
Indeed, Pereira’s knack for making fun of his opponents is well-known. During his fight with Jamahal Hill at UFC 300, Pereira imitated Khaby Lame after he knocked Hill out in the first round. Meanwhile, Magomed Ankalaev’s coach manager has some stern words for Alex Pereira.
Team Magomed Ankalaev Issues Stern Warning To Alex Pereira
The UFC fans cannot wait to see the duo of Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev clash. Touted as a banger, Magomed Ankalaev and his team have looked confident right from the word go. In a recent interview with ‘MMA Junkie’, Ankalaev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz elaborated on the Russian’s chances to win the UFC light heavyweight title.
“Ankalaev, what he told me, he said, ‘I’m not wrestling with [Pereira]. I’m gonna shw everybody. Izzy can’t even wash my boots in striking. I’m gonna knock Alex Pereira out. Get the respect I’ve deserved for a long time.’ It’s a long task to strike with [Pereira] and knock him out. But I believe Ankalaev can do it,” Abdelaziz stated.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral MMA stories via Google! Follow Us
Thus, it is evident that team Ankalaev is itching to get inside the ring with Alex Pereira. And now Pereira looking to mock his opponent, things seems to have gotten a lot more interesting come UFC 313.
