The UFC light heavyweight division is heating up. Magomed Ankalaev just won the belt from Alex Pereira at UFC 313 on March 8, 2025. Now he’s talking about his first title defense. Pereira isn’t staying silent. As of March 20, 2025, their words are stirring up excitement.
Ankalaev Says He Has a Fight Date
Magomed Ankalaev isn’t slowing down after beating Pereira. He took to social media with a big claim.
“I have a date and I accepted already, I hope my opponent will accept too. This time there will be no 5 rounds, I don’t get paid by the hour,” he posted.
That means he’s got a fight lined up. He’s promising a quick end, not a full five-round battle. It’s a strong hint he wants Pereira again, and he’s not planning to let it drag out.
Ankalaev earned the title with a unanimous decision win over Pereira in Las Vegas. Two judges scored it 48-47, one had it 49-46. That stopped Pereira’s hot streak of three defenses in 2024. Now Ankalaev’s calling shots as champ.
I have a date and I accepted already, I hope my opponent will accept too. This time there will be no 5 rounds, I don’t get paid by the hour #BigANK
— Muhammad big ANK Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) March 20, 2025
Pereira Replies With Confidence
Alex Pereira didn’t wait long to answer.
He posted on Instagram Stories. “Let’s go Ali (Abdelaziz). Chama,” he wrote.
Their last fight was tight. Pereira landed more strikes, 108 to 102, but Ankalaev controlled the cage for over five minutes. Pereira lost the belt. Now he’s eager to take it back.
How Their Rivalry Began
These two have a backstory. Ankalaev went unbeaten in 13 fights, beating names like Johnny Walker and Aleksandar Rakic, to get his chance. Pereira dominated 2024, knocking out Jamahal Hill, Jiri Prochazka, and Khalil Rountree Jr. before meeting Ankalaev. Their UFC 313 fight matched Pereira’s striking against Ankalaev’s wrestling and punches. Ankalaev won. The heat between them hasn’t cooled since.
After the fight, Ankalaev said Pereira dodged too much. Pereira promised to tweak his approach. UFC boss Dana White hinted a rematch might be next. Their posts now back that up.
Ankalaev’s words carry weight. He’s pushing for a fast end, not a five-round slog. It’s a jab at Pereira, who couldn’t stop him last time. There’s more to it too. Ankalaev’s team said Pereira used grease to slip takedowns in their fight. That’s got Ankalaev ready to prove he can finish it quick.
Pereira’s response keeps it simple and bold. He’s telling Abdelaziz to set it up. After losing at UFC 313, Pereira said he’d rest but come back better. At 37, with a 12-3 record, he’s won belts at middleweight and light heavyweight. The loss stung, but he’s showing he’s still got fight left in him.
Nothing’s locked in yet. Ankalaev’s hoping his opponent agrees, and Pereira’s reply suggests he will. The UFC likes rematches when fights are close, and this one was. Other fighters like Jiri Prochazka or Jamahal Hill could step up, but White’s words point to Pereira. The date isn’t out yet. It might land in May or summer 2025, based on their talks.
This is bigger than just a title. It’s a grudge match. Ankalaev wants to lock in his win. Pereira wants his belt. Their styles are a clash. Pereira brings knockout power. Ankalaev blends grappling and strikes.
