It looks like the UFC is aiming to book an immediate rematch between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira. Ankalaev took the light heavyweight belt off of Pereira at UFC 313, beating the three-time defending champion via 48-47, 48-47, 49-46 unanimous decision. 

The new champ was able to shut “Poatan” down offensively with constant pressure, dangerous counters, and the threat of wrestling. Pereira never managed to shift out of first gear, but that hasn’t stopped UFC CEO Dana White from saying they’d ‘probably’ do an immediate rematch.

Despite Pereira not being his usual attacking self, many thought that he had won the fight and the result was criticized by many. As a result, it looks like the promotion is keen to have its most active champion over the past few years back in the octagon. 

What did Magomed Ankalaev say about a rematch with Alex Pereira?

Responding to the speculations about a potential rematch with Alex Pereira, Magomed Ankalaev has stated that he is ready to fight the Brazilian again. 

While suggesting that the negotiations have started but he does not know who will be next for him, he said: 

“Negotiations are ongoing, at the moment I don’t know who will be next for me. But we agreed instantly: if they want a rematch we are ready. Yeah, we understand for a long time they were trying to break us mentally,” Ankalaev said. “There were some games against me, but we decided not to stop and keep going forward. It’s an example for those who want to achieve something not to stop, to keep going forward and everything will work out.”

READ MORE: Jonathan Haggerty Vs Liam Harrison: When? Where? How?

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