Magomed Ankalaev’s claim that Alex Pereira ‘greased’ in their first fight has not made him a popular figure.
The heated back-and-forth between Ankalaev and Pereira has picked up in recent days and weeks ahead of their upcoming rematch.
Pereira will challenge Ankalaev at UFC 320 on October 4, as the Brazilian fan favorite seeks redemption after being unseated from the light heavyweight throne by the Dagestani this past March.
Trash talk has been more at play second time around, and the animosity grew when Pereira accused Ankalaev of hiding from him at the UFC Performance Institute, leading to an in-person confrontation.
The fire was most recently fueled during the champ’s UFC 320 media scrum, which saw him level a stern accusation against his rival.
Magomed Ankalaev called the ‘worst champion’ after making controversial Alex Pereira claim six months after their fight
Ankalaev’s words mark the first time ‘Poatan’ has been accused of ‘greasing’ in the UFC. The Brazilian’s performance disappointed most at UFC 313 but one element of his game that held up well was his takedown defense.
The Russian evidently thinks that was down to an underhanded tactic, but his decision to make the allegation six months later has left him coming under fire from many fans in the MMA community.
“‘I think he’s cheating’ … ‘I’m not accusing him of anything.'”
“No, his takedowns just weren’t working.”
“I hope Alex knocks this dude out.”
“No one else he fought complained about this. It’s crazy how much (Ali) Abdelaziz manipulates his fighters.”
“Stop coming up with excuses.”
“Hahaha he was greased. This guy has to be the worst champion.”
“‘I couldn’t take him down so he was probably greased, but I’m not accusing him of that.'”
“You have been quiet, it’s been ages since that fight happened. And now right after Alex promises to slap you, you now try to sell the fight by saying he was greased?”
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Carlos Ulberg sends a message to both Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira
Whoever does emerge from UFC 320 next Saturday may already have their next opponent lined up.
Carlos Ulberg sent Ankalaev and Pereira a message, both with his performance at UFC Perth and his post-fight remarks.
“I’m coming!” Ulberg said inside the Octagon.
The Kiwi star extended his winning streak to nine in the main event Down Under, with Ulberg knocking out Dominick Reyes in the first round to add another prominent name to his résumé.