Latest news with #UFC313
USA Today
20 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Israel Adesanya: Alex Pereira 'exponentially getting better,' can beat Magomed Ankalaev
Israel Adesanya: Alex Pereira 'exponentially getting better,' can beat Magomed Ankalaev Israel Adesanya has faith that Alex Pereira can bounce back in a title-fight rematch against Magomed Ankalaev. After three light heavyweight title defenses, Pereira (12-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) was dethroned by Ankalaev (21-1-1 MMA, 12-1-1 UFC) in the UFC 313 main event in March. Although he stuffed all 12 of Ankalaev's takedowns in the fight, he was ultimately outstruck in a unanimous decision loss. The expectation was for Ankalaev and Pereira to run things back, but according to Ankalaev, "Poatan" isn't ready for a rematch just yet. If Ankalaev vs. Pereira 2 is indeed next, Adesanya thinks his former foe can avenge the loss. "I'm so proud of the guy, what he's done," Adesanya said on his YouTube channel. "It's like I created a monster. He showed why he is who he is across two weight classes. I can't wait to see the next fight with him and Ankalaev again. I think it'll be another hard one, but I think he can get it done, because it wasn't a complete washout for that fight. He's exponentially getting better, as well." Adesanya knows a thing or two about avenging losses. Pereira was the one to put a stop to his first middleweight title reign when he knocked him out at UFC 281, but Adesanya was able to exact his revenge by scoring a knockout of his own in their rematch at UFC 287. Two kickboxing matches, and two MMA fights later, Adesanya and Pereira have since buried the hatchet.
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Sean Strickland advises Alex Pereira how to avenge loss to UFC champ Magomed Ankalaev
Sean Strickland advises Alex Pereira how to avenge loss to UFC champ Magomed Ankalaev Sean Strickland wants to see Alex Pereira rejuvenate before running things back with UFC champion Magomed Ankalaev. Pereira (12-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) lost his light heavyweight title to Ankalaev by unanimous decision at UFC 313 in March. Ankalaev's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, revealed to MMA Junkie that two dates were offered for the rematch, but the fight is yet to materialize. Strickland, who has trained with both Pereira and Ankalaev (21-1-1 MMA, 12-1-1 UFC), advised "Poatan" to take some time off before trying to reclaim his title. As UFC light heavyweight champion, Pereira competed four times in a calendar year. "Ankalaev is just so f*cking good," Strickland told Red Corner MMA. "I think a couple of things. I think Alex has a great chance of beating him in the rematch. I think Alex goes too hard. I mean, how many title defenses did he have? Going up and down weight classes, where Ankalaev rides the bench for a certain amount of time. Like, being that active and on top of that being a superstar. Like, no one knows who the f*ck Ankalaev is. Ankalaev walks down the street, no one knows who the f*ck that guy is. "Alex is a superstar. He can't leave his house without someone saying, 'Oh, sh*t, there's Alex, should we take a picture?' It kind of takes a toll on the mind. Where you take Ankalaev who just lives in a f*cking cave somewhere, I don't know where the f*ck that guy is from. He doesn't have to deal with the same pressures of being famous as you do in the U.S. So I think Alex, if he just takes a step back, clears his brain, comes in fresh, stop traveling all over the f*cking world, I think he has a legitimate shot of beating him." It appears Pereira has already taken Strickland's advice. The Brazilian superstar has laid relatively low and, according to Ankalaev, hasn't been willing to make another quick turnaround.
USA Today
22-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Manager: Magomed Ankalaev will beat Alex Pereira 'worse' in potential title rematch
Manager: Magomed Ankalaev will beat Alex Pereira 'worse' in potential title rematch Show Caption Hide Caption Ali Abdelaziz explains Islam Makhachev vacating UFC title Islam Makhachev's manager Ali Abdelaziz talks to MMA Junkie about vacating the lightweight title to move to welterweight. 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."
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Former UFC star proposes opponent for Magomed Ankalaev's first title decision amidst Alex Pereira's continued uncertainty
Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira. Photo byvia AFP UFC 313 yielded the most unexpected results of all time. Russian fighter Magomed Ankalaev ended Alex Pereira 's five-match winning streak, thereby claiming the light heavyweight title. Even though there were talks of a rematch between the fighters immediately after the bout, the recent string of events associated with Pereira has minimised the possibility of the bout happening anytime soon. In a recent interview, former UFC legend Josh Thompson suggested the name of another fighter who would be a perfect fit for Magomed's next fight. Josh Thomson lists out possible fighters suitable for the title defense, proposes Carlos Ulberg to be best suited for the bout Alex Pereira has recently been involved in a retirement controversy when a now-deleted post was made through the account of the fighter on X. However, the Poatan dismissed such rumors, stating that his account was hacked. This particular statement was interpreted in multiple ways. While many believed what the fighter said, his rival, Magomed Ankalaev, in a sarcastic manner, accepted that he had hacked the account of the Brazilian fighter. However, MMA analysts like Daniel Cormier believed that the account was not hacked and there was some amount of truth in the statement that was made by the fighter. With all these going on, the Russian fighter also revealed a UFC offer that gave the fighter a chance to either step into the Octagon against Pereira or have any other opponent. As Magomed reveals the offer, he also mentions that if the Brazilian fighter doesn't accept the bout offer, he is ready to move on with some other fighter. While nothing has been confirmed as of now, former UFC legend Josh Thompson in a recent episode of Weighing in talks about the potential opponent for Magomed Ankalaev after Alex Pereira in the light heavyweight division. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Mendaftar Undo Islam Is Avoiding Ilia Topuria… says Chael Sonnen | Burns vs Morales REACTION | WEIGHING IN #574 'What you have is Jamahal Hill coming off a loss, Jan Blachowicz coming off a loss, Aleksandar Rakic coming off a loss, Khalil Rountree Jr. coming off a loss. Dominick Reyes is number eight, he's got a win.' The fighter continued, 'You've got Carlos Ulberg, that's it, at number three. You have Jiri, but Jiri can't fight.' Thompson analysed, 'I mean, throw, I would say Ulberg, put him in there, see if Ankalaev will stand with him as well. There's nothing else you can do. I mean, we're looking for that guy to bring an exciting fight to Ankalaev because right now, good luck trying to sell that.' Also read: From MMA to boxing - former UFC light heavyweight fighter secures a stunning knockout win at Fight Music Show 6 Carlos Ulberg is another impressive fighter with an 8-1 UFC record. One of the top contenders for the division, the fighter would be a good choice for Ankalaev's title defense. Only time will tell who the Russian fighter will be facing next if not the Poatan.
USA Today
19-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Manager: Justin Gaethje deserves Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira winner after UFC 317
Manager: Justin Gaethje deserves Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira winner after UFC 317 With the UFC lightweight division getting a makeover in the aftermath of Islam Makhachev vacating the title, Justin Gaethje's position for a title shot has seemingly improved. A new champion will be crowned in just over one month when Ilia Topuria takes on Charles Oliveira for the vacant belt in the UFC 317 headliner on June 28 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+). What happens after that remains to be seen. Gaethje (26-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC) was already making the pitch for him to fight for the belt next before Makhachev vacated, as he represented a fresh matchup for the now-former champ. With Makhachev out of the picture now, though, Gaethje's manager, Ali Abdelaziz of Dominance MMA, still thinks he's next in line. "I think Justin Gaethje's the No. 1 contender," Abdelaziz told MMA Junkie. "He was supposed to fight Dan Hooker, and Hooker didn't show up. He stepped up for the company, fought Rafael Fiziev (at UFC 313), and I think he should wait and fight the winner. That's what I think he should do, but in reality, this game leaves people behind, and I don't want this game to leave him behind. If it makes sense, Justin will fight. Justin is afraid of no one. He will fight anyone. It has to make sense for him." With the way the 155-pound division is being booked, Gaethje is likely looking at a matchup with Paddy Pimblett (who recently called him out) or Arman Tsarukyan if he doesn't get the title shot. Abdelaziz said he's not opposed to either pairing, but simply wants the fight that would put his client in an undeniable spot. "Who cares? It doesn't matter," Abdelaziz said. "If you're a fighter and you think you're the best in the world, you have to beat the best guys. You don't pick and choose. Justin Gaethje never picked an opponent, never chose an opponent. He will fight you anywhere, any time. It doesn't really matter, but it has to be fair. A guy who gave his title shot to save International Fight Week and fight Max Holloway. He knocked out Dustin Poirier and Dustin Poirier got a title shot. How are you going to tell him he can't get the next title shot?" Abdelaziz and Gaethje will likely be waiting and watching to see what happens at UFC 317, and whether it's Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) or Oliveira (35-10 MMA, 23-10 UFC) who goes home with the belt. Gaethje would love the chance to avenge his first-round submission loss to Oliveira from UFC 274 if he emerges with gold, but if it's Topuria, then Abdelaziz thinks that's a massive fight for the sport. "If Ilia wins, Justin Gaethje vs. Ilia Topuria is a blockbuster fight," Abdelaziz said.
