Magomed Ankalaev

Anthony Smith, a former challenger for the UFC bantamweight championship belt, spoke out about a possible fight between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev.

"Ancalaev is a good wrestler and is capable of handling Pereira. But if he stands opposite Alex and exchanges punches with him, Pereira will knock out Ankalaev. That will absolutely happen in that case. But if Ancalaev fights smart, throws tekdowns and can keep Pereira down, then I think he'll have a good opportunity, even though he's not the best finisher. Since each round starts in the standup, Pereira can utilize his striking and conditioning and he can get back up to his feet, staying safe for the rest of the round. When the next round starts back on the feet, you don't want to be in there with Alex Pereira for too long. I think this is going to be an interesting confrontation. It's definitely one of the toughest tests for Pereira in the division. Mohammed has the skills and ability to handle him," Smith said.

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jamal Hill shared his thoughts on a potential bout between current belt holder Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev.

"I think Ankalaev will be the next challenger. Ancalaev's standup is a problem for Pereira. Pereira doesn't fight well against left-handers. Magomed can also use wrestling and grappling, and he can punch and is comfortable on the feet. I would probably favor Ankalaev in this fight," - quotes the American Middle Easy.

Recall that on April 13 in the main event of UFC 300, Hill unsuccessfully returned to the octagon after a serious injury and a long downtime, losing to Pereira by knockout in the first round.

UFC light heavyweight champion Brazilian Alex Pereira has spoken out about a potential fight against Dagestan Magomed Ankalaev, ranked second in the division's official rankings. Previously, the latter has repeatedly urged the promotion's management to assign him a title fight.

"A bout against Ankalaev? This guy is not an easy opponent. Honestly, I have to decide what's best for me in terms of my next fight. I'm here to fight, but I'm not too good at organizational issues," MMA Fighting quotes Pereira as saying.

Recall that on April 13 at the UFC 300 anniversary tournament, Pereira made his first title defense, knocking out Jamal Hill in the opening round.

Magomed Ankalaev, a fighter of the UFC welterweight division, addressed the general director of the organization Dana White. Magomed believes he deserves a title fight.

"Dana, it doesn't matter how many people I knock out to get a title fight. I'm going to do it and I'm going to be champion. Keep lining them up," the fighter wrote on social media.

The other day Ankalaev reacted to the victory of UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira over Jamal Hill, saying that he wants to fight him at the tournament in Abu Dhabi.

Recall, Alex Pereira defeated Jamal Hill by knockout in the first round. Their fight headed the 300th anniversary tournament of the promotion, which took place on April 14 in Las Vegas.

Former UFC flyweight title challenger Magomed Ankalaev said he has received an offer to fight champion Alex Pereira at the upcoming UFC 300 event.

"For me, this fight is especially interesting because I was promised that I will meet the winner. I was actually offered to fight Pereira at this tournament, but since we had the holy month of Ramadan, I had to decline.

I've been in this sport for a long time and I don't see any danger from any of them. I don't care at all who wins. I've had different trials, I've had opponents: both comfortable and uncomfortable. The goal is the same - to win the belt," said Ankalaev in an interview with Meta Fight.

Recall that the UFC 300 tournament will take place on the night of April 14 in Las Vegas, USA. In the main event of the event Alex Pereira will defend the belt in the light heavyweight division against the encroachments of former champion Jamal Hill.