Summary
Ankalaev focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
In the same way that he rose to stardom with the victory against Alex Poatán No. UFC 313, Magomed Ankalayev His world was turned upside down in just a few months after being brutally knocked out in the rematch. Now, the former light heavyweight champion (up to 93 kg) seeks to return to the top of the category, but mainly, to get revenge on the current belt holder.
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In an interview with Russian journalist Igor Lazorin last week, Ankalaev expressed his desire to compete for the belt once again, preferably in a trilogy with the Brazilian. Despite this, it doesn't seem likely that his wish will be fulfilled.
“I want to fight for the belt, of course. They said (my next fight) would be in May, but the opponent is still unknown. I don’t know if he (Poatan) is refusing or not, but for now, there’s still no news about him,” the fighter stated.
???? Magomed Ankalayev is interested in moving up to heavyweight, but says he wants to settle things with Alex Pereira first 👀
“First I want to settle this matter with [Pereira]. It doesn't matter if it's for the belt or just a fight.”
(via IG/igorkakdela_official) pic.twitter.com/v29ocb8m18
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) February 18, 2026
Like Poatan, Ankalaev also wants to compete in the heavyweight division.
Clearly bothered by the setback suffered in UFC 320The Russian expressed a desire to test himself in the most prestigious category of combat sports, but not before sharing the octagon with the Brazilian once again. According to him, the duel didn't need to have a title at stake.
“Yes (I would move up in weight), but first I want to resolve my rivalry with Pereira. It doesn't matter if it's for the belt or just a regular fight. After that, maybe I'll move up to the heavyweight division,” he concluded.
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