Ankalaev calls loss to Poatan an 'accident' and asks for a trilogy in the UFC.

Ankalaev and Poatan have a tense staredown at the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

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Magomed Ankalaev still hasn't gotten over his loss to Alex Poatan at UFC 320, held in October 2025. At the time, the Russian was riding high after a victory over the Brazilian , but ended up being surprised by a knockout in just 80 seconds of the fight , a result that reignited the rivalry and increased the desire for a trilogy.

In an interview with the 'RedCorner MMA' channel, Ankalaev emphasized that he considers the fight even and recalled his dominant performance in their first encounter. The fighter also downplayed his most recent setback, treating the knockout he suffered as an isolated incident, which reinforces his confidence for a possible third meeting against Poatan.

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“We are tied 1-1. I won the first fight, and it’s fair to say it was a dominant performance. I lost the second, but that was just an accident.” – Magomed Ankalaev.

Ankalaev fought injured against Alex Poatan.

Ankalaev reveals trauma left by Poatan.

Back in action this Saturday (25), at UFC Abu Dhabi , Ankalaev revealed that the period away was marked by emotional difficulties. The fighter admitted that, although he wanted the rematch with Poatan, the defeat to the Brazilian left its mark.

“It’s been a long time. I wanted to come back, but I had traumas. It was difficult because the last fight (against Poatan) was a defeat. But now I’m back, with a fresh mind, with a cool head. I think now everything will be different,” said Ankalaev.

Relive Magomed Ankalaev's defeat to Alex Poatan at UFC 320.

Magomed Ankalaev may face Paulo Borrachinha in the UFC.

Scheduled to face Bogdan Guskov , who accepted to replace the injured Khalil Rountree at UFC Abu Dhabi , Magomed Ankalaev is already planning a quick return if he wins. The Russian revealed that, even after Paulo Borrachinha declined the fight at short notice due to lack of preparation, he remains interested in the duel.

Ankalaev indicated that, if he has his arm raised this Saturday (25), he could face the Brazilian at the end of October or in November. The possible confrontation gains even more relevance given the scenario of the division, since the light heavyweight champion, Carlos Ulberg , tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and has no return date to the octagon.

Therefore, the fight between Ankalaev and Borrachinha could be for the category's belt, depending on the UFC's decision regarding the interim title.

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