Alex Pereira has thrown down a $200,000 gauntlet to Magomed Ankalaev as the pair move towards their showdown this weekend.
The light-heavyweight champion is particularly confident that he can beat Ankalaev. He even told Bloody Elbow in an exclusive chat this week that he implores fans to bet against him in order to boost profits for Stake, where he is an ambassador.
Now, Pereira is offering a massive six-figure bet to his rival as they head into UFC 313 fight week. Both men are going to have to make the 205lb championship weight limit, which means Pereira must cut over 21lb inside four days.
- Who is Alex Pereira? Get to know the MMA brawler as he lands yet another massive KO at UFC 307
Alex Pereira offers $200,000 bet to Magomed Ankalaev for UFC 313 fight
On Saturday night, the stakes are already as high as they can be for both Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev. The champion is staring down a complete demolition of his division within just 11 months, while his challenger finally gets the shot to realize a dream years in the making.
But Pereira wants to add even more jeopardy, taking to social media to offer Ankalaev a massive $200,000 bounty on the fight. He even took aim at his manager Ali Abdelaziz, noting that they both seem particularly confident about the outcome.
“Since you are so confident you will win, $200,000 to the winners charity of choice,” Pereira offered in a tweet directed at both Ankalaev and Abdelaziz last night. “Win or lose this will help those in need. It’s in your hands.”
Magomed Ankalaev has been chasing Alex Pereira fight
This fight is the culmination of a lengthy chase for Ankalaev, who has been one of the top contenders at light-heavyweight for years. He has lost just once in the UFC, a freak debut submission to Paul Craig, and has otherwise been undefeated.
His path to the gold has been a long one, and saw him forced to overcome Aleksandar Rakic in Dubai last October in order to earn his shot at the belt. But he has now got his shot at Pereira, and offers a fascinating stylistic matchup.
During his dominant run to middleweight and light-heavyweight gold, Pereira has defeated almost all striking specialists, save for Jan Blachowicz in his 205lb debut. Sean Strickland, Israel Adesanya, Jiri Prochazka, Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree Jr have all played to his strengths.
However, Ankalaev is a different kind of challenger relying more on a grinding wrestling style that will keep him busy, and possibly on his back, for five rounds.
- Who is Dana White? All you need to know about the CEO and President of the UFC