Ankalaev rooting for Pereira in UFC 307 title fight

Many expected Magomed Ankalaev to be Alex Pereira’s next fight, but instead the Brazilian is taking on Khalil Rountree Jr this Sunday (AEDT) at UFC 307 in Salt Lake City.

Pereira is a heavy favourite to prevail — as short as -500 with some UFC betting sites — and Ankalaev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, has revealed that his fighter will be cheering for Pereira too.

“It’s funny how Magomed Ankalaev is now rooting for Alex Pereira,” he said.

Abdelaziz shared that while he believes Ankalaev is the toughest fight for Pereira right now, the light heavyweight champion is not avoiding a fight against the Russian.

“I don’t think Alex is ducking him,” he said.

“I think it’s the UFC’s decision.

“I don’t think Alex is the guy ducking people. I have respect for him and his team.

“He just became a big star and the UFC knows, you know, the fans know, Magomed Ankalaev is the hardest and toughest fight for Alex Pereira.

“Let’s be real.”

Ankalaev is unbeaten since 2018, but instead of fighting for the title, he will compete against No.5 contender Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 308.

“If you want us to beat Rakic, we’ll beat Rakic,” Abelaziz continued.

“Now Pereira has do his job and beat Khalil Rountree.

“It’s not an easy task. I don’t think it’s an easy fight.

“Magomed Ankalaev has to beat Rakic and these two guys will fight and people will get the best two light heavyweights in the world right now.

“No. 1, Magomed Ankalaev, No. 2 is Alex Pereira.

“This is my opinion.”

Pereira confirmed this week that he is eager to defend his light heavyweight belt in his next fight and will not be looking to drop down weight classes.

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