Magomed Ankalaev is focused on the light heavyweight division, where he faces Bogdan Guskov in the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi this Saturday.
That didn’t stop the Dagestani from responding to questions about Alex Pereira, arguably Ankalaev’s biggest rival, this week. The pair are 1-1 in their career series, both bouts being title fights. Pereira moved to heavyweight earlier this year, vacating his 205lb title, and he recently asked whether Ankalaev was “still alive” when the subject of a third fight between the two was brought up.
Ankalaev (20-2-1, 1NC) responded during Wednesday’s UFC Abu Dhabi media day. “Alex Pereira must have been sleeping for a long time, because I believe that he was put to sleep pretty hard. So he must have just woken up and he must have forgotten that I’m alive still.”
Pereira was finished by Giryl Gane at the UFC Freedom 250 card on the White House grounds last month. “I’m alive and well, and I’m waiting to see what he can show,” Ankalaev added, before later suggesting that while light heavyweight is his immediate focus, he’d be game for a third fight with Pereira at heavyweight.
Magomed Ankalaev has not fought since losing his title to Pereira back in October, and believes that the loss had a silver lining.
“A defeat effects different fighters different ways. I think a defeat for me was beneficial because it got me more motivated, it got me training harder, it gave me a reason to come back and to show that I belong here. I think it’s going to be a good fight, and I’m excited to show what I worked on.”
He also responded on Wednesday to criticism that he’s too nice, that his kindness might hold him back as a fighter.
“How are people going to know what I am or what I have inside?” Ankalaev questioned. “It’s just that, I’m a professional fighter, I like to keep my emotions inside and if there’s no crossing of a specific line, then I come out here and I come out as a professional. But if somebody crosses that line or kind of toes the line, then I’m sure I can show my character as well. Other than that, I like to keep my emotions in, my head cool, and go in and do my job.”
Magomed Ankalaev headlines UFC Abu Dhabi opposite Bogdan Guskov on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
