Magomed Ankalaev wants a title shot against Alex Pereira in his next UFC bout.
The 6’3” Russian light heavyweight hasn’t lost in the UFC since his very first fight for Dana White’s promotion back in March 2018.
Ankalaev beat Rakic after via unanimous decision after three rounds at UFC 308Getty
He was victorious over Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, meaning his next bout is very likely to be for championship gold.
Alex Pereria is the current UFC light heavyweight champion and Ankalaev cemented his status as the No.1 contender after his win.
‘Poatan’ has defended his belt three times in 2024 against Jamahal Hill, Jiri Prochazka and Khalil Rountree Jr with many MMA fans awarding him fighter of the year status.
Ankalaev won his bout against Rakic via unanimous decision and told Pereira to ‘stop running away’ in his post-fight octagon interview with UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier.
The 32-year-old shared a video on Tuesday of his future opponent getting knocked out by Israel Adesanya.
“Alex Pereira, if this skinny guy make you sleep, what do you think I can do to you,” he wrote.
“Mick Maynard [UFC Vice-President], Dana White get my next meal ready for me.”
The video Ankalaev shared shows Adesanya’s brutal knockout victory over Pereira in the pair’s rematch at UFC 287 in April 2023.
Both men also fought one year prior at UFC 281 where Pereira was victorious over ‘The Last Stylebender’ via a fifth round knockout.
Ankalaev was submitted by Scotland’s Paul Craig on his UFC debut, before embarking on a nine-fight win streak.
Ankalaev is one of the UFC’s most dangerous fightersGetty
This ended when he drew with Jan Blachowicz in UFC 282’s main event in December 2022 with the vacant light heavyweight title on the line.
Jon Jones had relinquished the light heavyweight belt after he announced he was moving up to the heavyweight division, but neither Ankalaev or Blachowicz could capitalise on the opportunity.
Ankalaev’s next UFC bout against Johnny Walker in October 2023 was ruled a no contest after the Russian delivered an illegal knee strike while his opponent was grounded.
However, he would go on to win the rematch, knocking out Walker in the second round, before his victory over Rakic.
Pereira is yet to respond to Ankalaev’s comments, but there is no doubt the UFC’s most active champion would have no issues with putting his belt on the line again.
Jones defends his heavyweight belt against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 on November 17.
The pair’s clash will take place at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City with both fighters rumoured to be considering retirement after the bout.
