Alex Pereira’s Dominance in 2024

UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has confirmed that Magomed Ankalaev will not be his next opponent. The Brazilian has enjoyed a stellar 2024, successfully defending his title three times.

Pereira’s reign began with a decisive victory over Jamahal Hill at UFC 300. He followed it up with a hard-fought win against Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303, cementing his dominance. Most recently, Pereira dispatched Khalil Rountree at UFC 307. These performances earned him the Fighter of the Year award at the MMA Awards, solidifying his reputation as one of the most dangerous champions in the sport.

Despite his dominance, many fans and analysts see Magomed Ankalaev as the biggest threat to Pereira’s reign. However, recent developments suggest this matchup may not happen anytime soon, leaving fans puzzled.

Pereira’s Tweet Sparks Reactions

On December 19, Pereira stirred up controversy with a cryptic Tweet: “It won’t be Ankalaev!” The post caught the attention of fans and experts alike, sparking discussions across the MMA community.

The Boys in the Back, a segment on The Ariel Helwani Show, delved into the issue. Host Eric Jackman speculated that something significant may have occurred behind the scenes. Pereira had previously shown interest in fighting Ankalaev, especially since many consider him the most credible challenger. The sudden shift has raised questions about what’s happening behind closed doors.

It won’t be Ankalaev ! 😭

— Alex "Poatan" Pereira (@AlexPereiraUFC) December 19, 2024

Ankalaev Responds with “Chicken”

Magomed Ankalaev wasted no time responding. He took to X (formerly Twitter), calling Pereira a “chicken,” complete with emojis. This reply has only added fuel to the fire, with fans speculating about potential reasons for the canceled fight.

Chicken🐔🐔🐔

— Magomed Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) December 19, 2024

The Boys in the Back hosts have suggested scheduling issues might be at play. Reports indicate Pereira wants to fight in March, a timeline that could conflict with Ankalaev’s observance of Ramadan, which begins on March 10. While no official explanation has been provided, this seems to be a plausible factor in the delay.

What’s Next for the Division?

The uncertainty surrounding this matchup leaves a significant void in the light heavyweight division. Fans are eager to see who can challenge Pereira’s dominance. If the Ankalaev fight doesn’t materialize soon, it may force the UFC to consider other contenders, potentially delaying the showdown fans are clamoring for.

Source: MMAnytt.se

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