- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 546,216
- Reaction score
- 47
Magomed Ankalaev's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, is confident things would go worse for Alex Pereira in a potential rematch.
At UFC 313, Ankalaev (21-1-1 MMA, 12-1-1 UFC) became the light heavyweight champion by winning a unanimous decision over Pereira (12-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC). Ever since, the expectation has been a rematch, and given Pereira's level of activity, many believed it would take place rather quickly.
Recently, a controversial tweet was posted to Pereira's account that expressed frustration with the UFC and even teased a lean toward retirement. Shortly after the tweet went viral, Pereira posted a video on Instagram claiming he was hacked.
As the negotiations for the rematch continue, Abdelaziz clarified that two dates were offered to Ankalaev, but the fight has not yet come together.
"It's true, Magomed Ankalaev was offered June and August, and he expected both," Abdelaziz told MMA Junkie. "I think Ankalaev hacked his account. I really do. I think he did.
"Listen, I think Alex deserves a break. I think the guy, by fighting a lot, did a lot of things for the company, and if he can say no to a fight to get healthy and focused, if anyone deserves it, he deserves it. I respect this guy. Of course, every time he fights Ankalaev, I want Ankalaev to beat him."
Pereira was the most active champion last year, defending the light heavyweight title three times by stopping each opponent. Whether his hyper-active schedule as a champion caught up to him or Ankalaev simply outmatched him, the fact remains that he lost his title in March. If the rematch eventually comes together, Abdelaziz is confident his fighter will make things even tougher for the former two-division champion.
"I think Ankalaev, next time, would beat him worse," Abdelaziz said. "Because everybody fought Alex very scared. Ankalaev went in there, toe-to-toe with him, and he hurt him. He didn't hurt Ankalaev. I think it's going to be a very interesting rematch. I just don't see this fight going more than three rounds with Ankalaev. When you have this kind of confidence, fighting with the scariest guys in the division and beating them, I think it's going to be good. It's a good rematch people are waiting for."
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Magomed Ankalaev's manager has bold outlook on Alex Pereira rematch
Continue reading...
At UFC 313, Ankalaev (21-1-1 MMA, 12-1-1 UFC) became the light heavyweight champion by winning a unanimous decision over Pereira (12-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC). Ever since, the expectation has been a rematch, and given Pereira's level of activity, many believed it would take place rather quickly.
Recently, a controversial tweet was posted to Pereira's account that expressed frustration with the UFC and even teased a lean toward retirement. Shortly after the tweet went viral, Pereira posted a video on Instagram claiming he was hacked.
As the negotiations for the rematch continue, Abdelaziz clarified that two dates were offered to Ankalaev, but the fight has not yet come together.
"It's true, Magomed Ankalaev was offered June and August, and he expected both," Abdelaziz told MMA Junkie. "I think Ankalaev hacked his account. I really do. I think he did.
"Listen, I think Alex deserves a break. I think the guy, by fighting a lot, did a lot of things for the company, and if he can say no to a fight to get healthy and focused, if anyone deserves it, he deserves it. I respect this guy. Of course, every time he fights Ankalaev, I want Ankalaev to beat him."
Pereira was the most active champion last year, defending the light heavyweight title three times by stopping each opponent. Whether his hyper-active schedule as a champion caught up to him or Ankalaev simply outmatched him, the fact remains that he lost his title in March. If the rematch eventually comes together, Abdelaziz is confident his fighter will make things even tougher for the former two-division champion.
"I think Ankalaev, next time, would beat him worse," Abdelaziz said. "Because everybody fought Alex very scared. Ankalaev went in there, toe-to-toe with him, and he hurt him. He didn't hurt Ankalaev. I think it's going to be a very interesting rematch. I just don't see this fight going more than three rounds with Ankalaev. When you have this kind of confidence, fighting with the scariest guys in the division and beating them, I think it's going to be good. It's a good rematch people are waiting for."
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Magomed Ankalaev's manager has bold outlook on Alex Pereira rematch
Continue reading...
