Magomed Ankalaev isn’t too happy with Joe Rogan’s revelation regarding Alex Pereira’s health status going into their UFC 313 clash.
At the beginning of March at UFC 313, Magomed Ankalaev brought Alex Pereira‘s exciting light heavyweight title reign to an end when the Russian outpointed Pereira to become the new UFC champion.
Pereira’s performance was immediately questioned and labeled ‘uncharacteristic’ by UFC commentator Joe Rogan, and that point was backed up by fellow commentator Jon Anik, who questioned Pereira’s status going into the fight.
However, Pereira will likely have a chance to immediately redeem himself, as Ankalaev has already revealed the targeted date for their rematch.
Magomed Ankalaev reacts to Joe Rogan’s claim regarding Alex Pereira
A few weeks removed from their fight, Rogan has claimed that Pereira went into the fight with a broken hand and norovirus, as the illness knocked two other fighters off the event.
Although that would explain Pereira’s alarming performance, Ankalaev isn’t too pleased with Rogan’s claim and has offered an update on their targeted rematch.
“Joe Rogan mentioned (Pereira’s team) said that Alex fought with a broken hand and norovirus, when fighters step into the cage nobody is 100%,” Ankalaev claimed in a post on X.
“I was offered a rematch with him in August, and I said yes, but if he is not ready, I will fight whoever is next; it doesn’t matter,” Ankalaev continued.
Whether or not Rogan’s claim regarding Pereira fighting with a broken hand is true, he would likely still be able to fight in August as in 2024, he was the most active champion, fighting at UFC 300 with a broken toe.
If not Alex Pereira, who next for Magomed Ankalaev?
Despite that, if ‘Poatan’ decides to take some time away from the Octagon, there is another contender waiting in the wings.
This past Saturday at UFC London, Carlos Ulberg edged a decision win over former champion Jan Blachoowicz, announcing himself as a contender in the division on an impressive eight-fight win streak.
Following the fight, Ankalaev reacted to Ulberg’s performance, giving him credit but confirming that Pereira is more deserving of the title shot.
However, with the Russian champion stating he will fight whoever is next, he could fight the Australian if Pereira opts out.