Magomed Ankalaev has revealed that negotiations are already underway for an immediate rematch with Alex Pereira.
It was just three days ago that Ankalaev dethroned the dominant light-heavyweight champion with an impressive five round display. It seemed immediately after the fact that Pereira was keen to get revenge in quick fashion, but former champion Jiri Prochazka also put his name in the hat in recent days.
Now, it appears that the official talks have begun about a rematch, with Ankalaev saying he would be happy to give Pereira another shot. The Brazilian defended his title three times in six months, and fought a fourth time in 11 on Saturday night at UFC 313.
- Who is Magomed Ankalaev? Meet the light heavyweight bogeyman who could dethrone Alex Pereira at UFC 313
Magomed Ankalaev claims Alex Pereira rematch negotiations have begun
Magomed Ankalaev returned home to Dagestan last night to a hero’s welcome after spending a lengthy period in America as MMA’s top heel. The home fans in Makhachkala embraced their newest champion, as he made his first major appearance since winning the belt.
And speaking to Russian media, Ankalaev explained that his next move was pretty much made for him shortly after his win over Alex Pereira. “About the rematch, negotiations are already underway,” he said in a press scrum posted to YouTube by Ushatayka.
“It is not yet known who will be next but we agreed in advance that if they want a rematch then we are ready to do it again.”
Magomed Ankalaev instantly agreed to rematch Alex Pereira
Within moments of the fight ending, fans were already clamouring to see it again given how close the margins were. Many felt that the champion could have got the better of the 48-47 scorecards, and were baffled by one 49-46 that indicated Pereira had just won one round.
Ankalaev, to his credit, has never shied away from telling the media that he would be happy to do an immediate rematch. Speaking with AGFight in a post-fight interview on fight night, he said: “We will wait for the call from the UFC bosses. It’s going to be a rematch? No problem.
“Without any hesitation [I would take that fight]… As long as I am an active fighter I want to be a champion and I believe I am going to retire with that belt. I don’t believe that anyone is going to take it from me.
“If there is no injury I could do easily three-four fights a year… I don’t know we have to see and think because I don’t see anyone as of right now who can challenge me, we’ve basically cleared out the division.”
- Who is Alex Pereira? Get to know the MMA brawler as he lands yet another massive KO at UFC 307