Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev stared one another down days out from their rematch.
Ahead of Pereira challenging Ankalaev at UFC 320, almost seven months after the Brazilian was unseated from the light heavyweight throne by the Dagestani, the pair have been going back and forth online and in interviews.
Their rivalry hit new levels recently after ‘Poatan’ accused the champion of hiding from him at the UFC Performance Institute, leading to Pereira and Ankalaev having an argument over Google Translate.
But while looking into his rival’s eyes at the presser, Pereira had a different moment from the UFC 320 lead-up in mind…
Alex Pereira has not forgotten Magomed Ankalaev’s UFC 320 promise
Ankalaev has been much more vocal on social media during his latest fight camp, firing constant jabs at Pereira on X.
Many believe Ali Abdelaziz is behind Ankalaev’s posts, but that doesn’t mean the Russian isn’t being held responsible for them.
‘Poatan’ seemingly remembers one especially well and brought it up while facing off with Ankalaev at the UFC 320 press conference.
“I don’t want to go back to the tire shop,” Pereira said in Portuguese.
The remark refers to a post on Ankalaev’s X that read, “You’re gonna be sleeping on your way back working at the tire shop again.” The Brazilian worked at a shop before making it big in combat sports.
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Alex Pereira backed to ‘crush’ Magomed Ankalaev in bold prediction
Despite the result of their first fight, plenty of prominent names are on the side of Pereira for his rematch against Ankalaev.
As well as Dricus du Plessis backing Pereira to win at UFC 320, legendary striker Stephen Thompson sees ‘Poatan’ avenging the result from this past March.
In fact, more than just winning, ‘Wonderboy’ thinks Pereira will “crush” Ankalaev.
“Alex just didn’t look like the Alex of old and I do believe he was too consistent,” Thompson told Bloody Elbow.
“But, I was there live for that fight and I predicted that the next time that they fight, Alex Pereira is coming with a vengeance.
“You need to give your body time to heal and I think it’s going to be all Alex this time,” he continued. “I think he’s going to go out there and he’s gonna crush him.”