The surprise announcement that Khalil Rountree would be the next challenger to Alex Pereira in the main event of UFC 307 sparked speculation that the current light heavyweight champion had overlooked top contender Magomed Ankalaev.
Not according to Pereira: Ankalaev is considered a difficult opponent for the Brazilian, but “Poitan” insists the decision to postpone the bout came from the Dagestan standout himself.
“I’ve always wanted to fight Ankalaev and I made that very clear to the organization, but Ankalaev didn’t want to fight me,” Pereira said on his YouTube channel. “If that’s where he was going to fight and he didn’t want to fight, I don’t know why. He’s not the champion. He’s not in a position to choose anything. I think the opportunity came up and he didn’t take it. He has his reasons. I don’t know what they are, but I’m here to tell you that I’m not afraid of anybody. I think he made things difficult, but one day we’ll find him.”
Ankalaev was quick to respond after learning of Pereira’s statement. Clearly irritated by the Brazilian’s version of events, he denied refusing to face Pereira and made it clear that he would be willing to face the São Paulo native after his bout with Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 308 on October 26.
“You are a liar. Dana White and Mick Maynard never offered me to fight you,” Ankalaev wrote to X. “Once I resolve the issue, you will retract these words.” [against Rakic].”
@Alex PereiraUFC
You are a liar. You said I refused to attack you. Dana White
Follow
I will never fight you. I will make you take back your words after I have handled my business.
— Magomed Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM)
August 26, 2024
Source link
