A record the former champion cannot forget
Magomed Ankalaev is determined to settle unfinished business with Alex Pereira. Their two previous fights ended in a split, with Ankalaev taking the first at UFC 313 by decision, then losing the belt at UFC 320 via TKO. Now, he says a third showdown is a goal he strongly desires, though hurdles remain.
A weight division gap makes the dream uncertain
Pereira is now in the middleweight division, while Ankalaev remains a light heavyweight. This difference makes it difficult, though Ankalaev has said he’d be willing to fight at either weight. With UFC scheduling often based on timing, both fighters are in different stages of their careers. Pereira is chasing a title, while Ankalaev still has work to do in his own division.
Abu Dhabi serves as a stepping stone, not the final step
This Saturday, Ankalaev faces Bogdan Guskov in the main event at UFC Abu Dhabi. Guskov stepped in last minute for Khalil Rountree Jr., making him a +425 underdog with Ankalaev at -600. A win would put him back on the title track, possibly against Carlos Ulberg. But for Ankalaev, the real motivation is the third fight.
“I won the first fight, and it was domination. While the third matchup is still a dream, both fighters are at their best, and the UFC might one day have no choice but to book the trilogy.