Sun Sep 28 03:40:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Ankalaev Loses Respect for Pereira Amidst Accusations, Sets Stage for Tense Rematch**

**LAS VEGAS** – UFC Light Heavyweight contender Magomed Ankalaev has publicly stated he’s lost respect for current champion Alex Pereira, stemming from Pereira’s recent claims that Ankalaev avoided him at the UFC Performance Institute.

Ankalaev refuted Pereira’s allegations, calling them outright lies and confronting Pereira directly about the accusations on Thursday. “I no longer respect him because… when you lie to people and say, ‘I saw him, and he hid,’ and stuff like that… I don’t respect people like that. Why would you lie about something that never happened?” Ankalaev told MMA Junkie through an interpreter.

According to Ankalaev, he approached Pereira with his coach and challenged him on the claims in front of Pereira’s entire team, demanding clarification. Ankalaev claims Pereira deflected, blaming others for the information.

The tension between the two fighters is palpable ahead of their highly anticipated light heavyweight title rematch on October 4th in the main event of UFC 320. Ankalaev indicated that while he prefers to settle things in the cage, he won’t hesitate to defend himself if Pereira escalates the situation outside of it. “Say he gets close to me next week and decides to get too close to me, of course, I’m going to defend myself,” he stated.

The upcoming fight promises to be more than just a title bout, but a clash fueled by personal animosity and wounded pride. UFC 320 is shaping up to be a must-see event.

Read More