"He’s scared of us", "Bro yaps too much" - Fans share mixed reactions to Magomed Ankalaev claiming Alex Pereira hasn't accepted the fight offer

Alex Pereira defeated Khalil Rountree Jr. via fourth-round TKO at UFC 307 last month to defend his light heavyweight title for the third time in six months. While Magomed Ankalaev has angled for the opportunity to challenge him for the belt, he has not received the opportunity.

The No. 1-ranked light heavyweight recently claimed that 'Poatan' has not accepted the fight offer while sharing a timeline for the potential matchup. Championship Rounds shared his comments to X, posting:

"🚨 Magomed Ankalaev says that Alex Pereira hasn't yet accepted the offer to fight him, but believes their fight could take place in May [via. TASS] #UFC #MMA"

Check out the post from Championship Rounds below:

Fans shared their reaction to the comments, with @expertmma97 claiming that Pereira is scared of the top-ranked contender in the light heavyweight division:

"I’m telling you Alex will do anything to avoid Big Ank. He’s scared of us."

@PoatanMyNuts believes Ankalaev talks too much:

"Bro yaps too much shut up and let everyone know when it’s signed Alex ain’t ducking nobody"

@TheCSMatrixer noted that Pereira has earned time to rest:

"Bruh, give this man Pereira rest. He doesn’t need to accept a fight in November if the fight is happening next year in May. The guy has carried the UFC this year. Ankalaev is the right fight to make though"

@VelutaMMA suggested that Ankalaev is delaying the bout:

"He went from saying march to may These dagistanis love to delay fights"

Check out the best fan reactions below:

Fan reactions

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Magomed Ankalaev shares plan to dethrone Alex Pereira, fight three times in 2025

Magomed Ankalaev has his eyes set on a light heavyweight title clash with Alex Pereira. He recently shared his goals for 2025, which involve dethroning 'Poatan' and making three appearances in the octagon.

The No. 1-ranked light heavyweight took to X, writing:

"I’m going to beat @AlexPereiraUFC in March and I will give him a rematch in July and then I will beat one of these bums like Jamahal Hill and Jiri in Abu Dhabi in October. @Mickmaynard2 @danawhite"

Check out Magomed Ankalaev's X post on Alex Pereira below:

Ankalaev spent much of 2024 angling for the opportunity to face Pereira, however, the bout never materialized. 'Poatan' shared that he plans to take some time off, revealing that his ideal return date is in March. The light heavyweight champion has been enjoying a break from the octagon, traveling the world during that time.