Magomed Ankalaev knows who he’ll be rooting for when Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree Jr. collide at UFC Baku.
Two of Alex Pereira’s 2024 victims are set to headline the UFC’s debut event in Azerbaijan, as the promotion touches down in new territory for the first time this year.
A key light heavyweight battle between Hill and Rountree Jr. will close out proceedings, with both men looking to throw their names into the title conversation following defeats last time out.
Newly crowned champion Ankalaev will no doubt be watching on with a keen eye, and he’ll seemingly be flying one man’s flag.
Magomed Ankalaev is rooting for Jamahal Hill at UFC Baku
After Ankalaev dethroned Pereira at UFC 313 this past March, the pair are expected to meet again this year in the Dagestani’s first title defense.
Should the belt remain in his possession, the winner of Saturday’s UFC Baku main event could enter the discussion as a potential next challenger.
And when it comes to the champ’s preference, ‘Sweet Dreams’ looks to be ahead of ‘The War Horse’.
“Let’s go (Jamahal),” Ankalaev wrote on X.
Magomed Ankalaev awaits confirmation of Alex Pereira rematch
The reigning light heavyweight kingpin will watch Hill vs. Rountree Jr. without a set date on the calendar for his first title defense.
Ankalaev publicly accepted the Pereira rematch soon after their showdown in Las Vegas, but months later, their second dance remains unconfirmed.
The Russian standout has laid the blame for the delay on the former two-division champ, accusing ‘Poatan’ of rejecting multiple fight dates.
While Ankalaev’s manager set an October deadline for Pereira’s rematch, the champ has continued mocking the Brazilian on social media.
Pereira has responded by teasing his return, which he still insists will come in the form of a title challenge against Ankalaev in the second half of 2025.