Talks between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira for their UFC light heavyweight title fight rematch have seemingly stalled.
Immediately after Ankalaev dethroned Pereira at UFC 313 to become the new light heavyweight champion, he accepted that an immediate rematch was the most likely outcome.
The Russian champion then expressed his desire to fight ‘Poatan’ in August, however, Pereira’s injury revelation led to question marks regarding that date.
Despite that, Ankalaev went on to excite fans as he hinted that Chicago has been set as the location with several cryptic posts about ‘The Windy City’.
Magomed Ankalaev fears Alex Pereira will retire
Although Magomed Ankalaev made several hints that the rematch had been officially agreed, he has recently worried fans with his post to Alex Pereira.
“Alex Pereira, do you still like fighting? I have a feeling you are done,” Ankalaev posted on X.
With the 32-year-old’s comments, it would seem that the rematch is not official and negotiations are still taking place. Although ‘Poatan’ is now 37 years old, there have been no signs that the Brazilian is considering retirement.
Pereira is currently in Japan, for an unknown reason, however, has told his fans that he will soon be returning to training, potentially leaving it a little bit longer for his broken hand to fully recover.
“Soon returning to training, tomorrow I’ll travel, but I’ll already be training, chama,” Pereira said in a post on his Instagram story.
Ahead of his fight against Ankalaev, Pereira received criticism from Daniel Cormier for his part in Sean Strickland’s corner at UFC 312, as Cormier believed it took too much time out of his training schedule.
International Fight Week headliner still not announced
Although the rematch between Ankalaev and Pereira likely wasn’t being shortlisted by the promotion as a potential UFC 317 headline fight, it is still one of the big title fights the UFC is likely waiting on.
Pereira headlined last year’s International Fight Week card against Jiri Prochazka after Conor McGregor pulled out of his scheduled fight against Michael Chandler on just two weeks’ notice.
And now, fans are becoming restless regarding this year’s International Fight Week card, as it is scheduled to take place on June 28, and there are still no fights scheduled.