Magomed Ankalaev predicts he'd knock out UFC champ Alex Pereira: 'The man doesn't have a chin'

Magomed Ankalaev vows to dethrone UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.

Pereira (10-2 MMA, 7-1 UFC) retained his title by knocking out Jamahal Hill (12-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC) in Round 1 of Saturday’s UFC 300 main event at T-Mobile Arena.

Ankalaev (19-1-1 MMA, 10-1-1 UFC) has had some unfortunate results in recent outings – a split draw in a vacant title fight against Jan Blachowicz, followed by a no contest against Johnny Walker after an accidental knee rendered Walker unable to continue.

However, Ankalaev was able to get back to winning ways when he knocked out Walker in their rematch this past January. Ankalaev, who has 10 knockouts to his name, called for a title shot and is confident that he can do the same to Pereira.

“@AlexPereiraUFC congratulation, l will stop in the first round by knockout @danawhite @Mickmaynard2 the man doesn’t have a chin.”

@AlexPereiraUFC congratulation, l will stop in the first round by knockout @danawhite @Mickmaynard2 the man doesn’t have a chin

— Magomed Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) April 14, 2024

Ankalaev proceeded to suggest he face Pereira in Abu Dhabi, where two events are being held – a UFC Fight Night on Aug. 3, and UFC 308 on Oct. 26.

“@AlexPereiraUFCvs me Abu Dhabi.”

@AlexPereiraUFC vs me Abu Dhabi

— Magomed Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) April 14, 2024

After stopping Hill to notch his first title defense, Pereira suggested a quick turnaround at heavyweight, but UFC CEO Dana White dismissed that idea.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 300.