Magomed Ankalaev found himself back in the spotlight when a social media video featuring Alex Pereira and Mauricio Ruffy surfaced, showing Pereira inviting Ruffy to train together. The clip quickly gained traction online, especially after Ruffy’s impressive spinning wheel kick knockout of Bobby Green at UFC 313, which ended the fight in just over two minutes. Fans immediately began trolling Pereira in the comment sections.
This viral moment reignited Alex Pereira comeback rumors after Magomed Ankalaev shade circulated online. Since Pereira’s defeat by Ankalaev, he has maintained a low profile on social media. A post suggesting Pereira’s retirement from the UFC also went viral but was later revealed to be fake following a hacking incident on his account. This silence has sparked speculation that he might be considering a break or slowing down his MMA career.
Fan Reactions Reveal Mixed Support and Challenges
Fans have expressed divided opinions in response to the rivalry between Pereira and Ankalaev. Some mocked Pereira’s current situation, while others showed support or skepticism about him returning.
“Big Ank took his aura and retired him”
—Fan comment
“I don’t want to train with big anks kid”
—Fan comment
“He made you (Magomed Ankalaev) experience how it feels to be a champion first”
—Fan comment
“He scared of you Big Ank”
—Fan comment
“He’s (Alex Pereira) avoiding you (Magomed Ankalaev) because he knows he’ll lose again.”
—Fan comment
“Champion who begs to fight lol”
—Fan comment
These reactions underscore the fierce anticipation surrounding any potential rematch or comeback involving Pereira, driven largely by Ankalaev’s recent provocations.
Magomed Ankalaev Challenges Jiri Procházka’s Priorities Amid Title Contention
In a related tension-filled development, Magomed Ankalaev has also targeted Jiri Procházka, dismissing the fighter’s focus on his academic studies instead of the UFC title race. Following UFC 311, Procházka declined a title opportunity at UFC 317 to prioritize finishing his Security and Strategic Studies degree at Masaryk University. Ankalaev mocked this decision, questioning whether a student belongs in the championship cage and ridiculing Procházka as a “nerd.”
Procházka, however, remained steadfast in his academic commitment, choosing to delay his fighting ambitions until he completes his education.
“I’m studying university for right now, three years, everything is settled, everything is good. I’m after the [Ankalaev] fight, it’s a little bit of time. So right now I’m focused on my target. Right now, what’s most important to me is school.
—Jiri Procházka
“He’s a big mouth guy, I don’t care if it’s him or his manager, because he did enough for people to stop taking him seriously. He will put himself down with all of this nonsense talking.”
—Jiri Procházka
Significance of These Rivalries and What May Lie Ahead
The exchanges between Magomed Ankalaev, Alex Pereira, and Jiri Procházka reveal a tense atmosphere surrounding the UFC light heavyweight division’s future. Ankalaev’s provocative comments have stirred fan debates and fueled speculation about Pereira’s potential return despite recent inactivity and confusion over his status. Meanwhile, Procházka’s dedication to academics adds an unusual but respected layer to his career trajectory, setting him apart in the high-stakes title chase.
These dynamics suggest ongoing friction that could shape upcoming UFC matchups, with fans eagerly awaiting news of Pereira’s next move and how Ankalaev’s challenges might impact the division’s championship landscape.