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Alex Pereira has stirred up the MMA world with a surprising announcement regarding his next fight with Khalil Rountree and the challenges he faced in securing a matchup with Magomed Ankalaev.
Fans were eager to see Pereira go head-to-head with Ankalaev for the 205-pound title, but Pereira recently revealed why that bout didn't come to fruition.
In a revealing interview, Pereira explained the situation, offering details that have left many fans and analysts alike scratching their heads.
His decision to step away from a title shot, something considered rare in the sport, has sparked significant discussion and speculation about his motivations.
"A lot of people ask me, I always wanted to fight against [Magomed] Ankalaev," said Pereira on his YouTube channel.
"I threw that to the organization, left it very clear, but Ankalaev didn't want to fight against me...If it was the location, if he just didn't want to... I'm not scared of anyone...He made things difficult, but I'll come across him soon."
Despite the unexpected turn of events, Pereira remains hopeful and confident about his future in the division. He is certain that a fight with Ankalaev is still on the horizon, believing that if both continue to win their respective matches, they will eventually face off in the octagon.
Ankalaev's remarks
Fans were puzzled by the recent announcement that Pereira would be defending his title against Rountree instead of the expected contender, Ankalaev. Despite being ed over, Ankalaev isn't seeking sympathy and has actively rejected any such sentiment.
"I Received a lot of messages today regarding the Light Heavyweight title fight, my job is to smash people's face who they put in front of me, I will destroy Rakic in Abu Dhabi and I will not be denied, I don't need nobody to feel bad for me @danawhite @Mickmaynard2," Ankalaev wrote on X.