Mar 8, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Alex Pereira (red gloves) fights Magomed Ankalaev (blue gloves) during UFC 313 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Magomed Ankalaev thinks Alex Pereira should focus on doing better in their rematch instead of talking trash before UFC 320.

Pereira (12-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) accused Ankalaev (21-1-1 MMA, 12-1-1 UFC) of intentionally avoiding him at the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas less than two weeks out from their light heavyweight title bout on Oct. 4 at T-Mobile Arena (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN).

Ankalaev initially remained silent about the accusations, which came in the form of a heated rant posted by Pereira. The champion issued statements on his social media Wednesday, dismissing the claims and telling "Poatan" that he's lucky to be getting a second chance (via X):

Ankalaev won the first fight at UFC 313 in March by unanimous decision, extending his unbeaten streak inside the octagon to 14 fights. He is looking for a more clear-cut win in the rematch, however, and posted a bold prediction that will close his chapter with Pereira for good (via X):

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Magomed Ankalaev responds to 'clown' Alex Pereira's UFC PI story, promises KO at UFC 320

Reporting by Mike Bohn, MMA Junkie / MMA Junkie

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