Supervisor says no politics: Alex Pereira’s subsequent title protection will probably be vs. Magomed Ankalaev

It’s MMA, so something can occur, Ali Abdelaziz acknowledged. However absent some fluke, he says the following UFC gentle heavyweight title battle is all however locked up.

It’s been the consensus, anyway, that 205-pound champ Alex Pereira (12-2 MMA, 9-1 UFC) will tackle Abdelaziz shopper Magomed Ankalaev (19-1-1 MMA, 10-1-1 UFC) subsequent, however Pereira has made some intimations that the UFC may need different concepts. And Abdelaziz thinks there could be slightly gamesmanship occurring from the Brazilian.

In that case, it’s for naught, is what the longtime supervisor surmises.

“Alex Pereira can say no matter he desires. That man is such a killer,” Abdelaziz stated. “He fought three fights in 167 days. Who am I to say – he can’t say no matter he desires? He’s having enjoyable. Ankalaev’s having enjoyable with him. However the one factor that’s going to matter – him and Ankalaev are going to be locked in a cage.

“… Alex Pereira is combating Magomed Ankalaev subsequent. The UFC – every little thing could be maneuvered, get delayed. Within the UFC, the very best battle with the very best. It’s the one promotion on the planet, I can inform you this – in the event you hold successful, you get to battle for a title. There’s not an excessive amount of politics within the UFC.”

The politics bit could be up for debate, however by and huge, the successful factor usually holds true. And that’s all Ankalaev has accomplished, actually, since his UFC debut – a stunner of a submission loss with only one second left in opposition to Paul Craig. However after a nine-fight tear, he obtained a title shot – and a draw with Jan Blachowicz for the vacant belt.

He put himself again in place after a knockout of Johnny Walker and a choice over Aleksandar Rakic this previous October, and Abdelaziz stated the Russian is assured he can take Pereira out. Pereira, a former middleweight champ, defended his gentle heavyweight title thrice in 2024 and have become arguably the UFC’s greatest energetic star.

“I believe this is without doubt one of the most intriguing fights,” Abdelaziz stated. “Ankalaev, what he advised me, he stated, ‘I’m not wrestling with this man. I’m going to point out everyone why, if (Israel Adesanya) can knock this man out, Izzy can’t even wash my boots in putting. I’m going to knock Alex Pereira out and I’ll get the respect I’ve been deserving for a very long time.’ I consider it’s a protracted take a look at to strike with this man and knock him out, however I consider Magomed Ankalaev can do it.”