Alex Pereira says he wasn’t pressured to Magomed Ankalaev, he demanded it.
Throughout Saturday’s UFC 311 occasion, the promotion introduced that Pereira would defend his gentle heavyweight title in opposition to Ankalev in the principle occasion of UFC 313 on March 8 at T-Cellular Enviornment in Las Vegas. Regardless of Ankalaev’s fixed makes an attempt to say that Pereira was avoiding a combat with him, Pereira says in any other case.
“I did say I needed to take a break, however I began coaching once more, feeling good, and began seeing my evolution,” Pereira instructed ESPN by way of a translator. “So I known as my managers immediately and mentioned I wish to combat, I wish to combat in March, I wish to combat Ankalaev.
“I do know he retains saying I’m simply an worker of the UFC, I combat every time they need, however I requested for him. I instructed them once I wish to combat.”
Pereira had a sensational 2024 as champion, knocking out Jamahal Hill, Jiri Prochazka, and Khalil Rountree in a span of six months, whereas Ankalaev earned his second shot at UFC gold with a choice win over Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 308 in October.
“Poatan” was requested about what Ankalaev brings to the desk, and whereas Pereira respects the surging 205-pound contender, he doesn’t see any extra hazard than some other bout he’s had in his profession.
“As harmful as some other opponent that I’ve fought,” Pereira mentioned. “ him, the best way that he fights, he’s an extraordinary man. In fact, he has his weapons, has his risks, however I’ve been been coaching arduous. I’ve advanced quite a bit, and I’m prepared for him.”
On Monday, Ankalaev made it clear he plans to definitively finish Pereira’s championship reign, writing, “You just sign your death certificate.”
