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UFC champ Magomed Ankalaev reveals two-step plan that could end with Tom Aspinall fight
Magomed Ankalaev took two opportunities to become the UFC light heavyweight champion, finally claiming gold at UFC 313. Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

UFC light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev has double-champ status in his sights.

Ankalaev earned his throne by defeating Alex Pereira at UFC 313, and as he prepares to silence all doubt in a rematch, the prospect of

Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Magomed Ankalaev is happy to fight twice more before considering a move to heavyweight

Speaking to Ushatayka, Ankalaev said he'd like to fight twice more at light heavyweight before moving up to heavyweight.

"I've fought about [moving up]," Ankalaev said. ". . . I believe maybe two more fights and I think I'll move up to heavyweight." [h/t Champ RDS]

Pereira capped off his light heavyweight title defenses at three; perhaps Ankalaev wants to outdo his Brazilian rival or build a strong legacy at 205. Gane defeating Aspinall at UFC 321 is also a possibility, and the Frenchman would be a much more favorable matchup for Ankalaev.

Ankalaev to headline UFC 320 in Alex Pereira rematch

Ankalaev welcomes Pereira back to the Octagon on October 4. The Vegas-based PPV is set to go ahead with thirteen fights, subject to change:

  • (c) Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira 2; light heavy title
  • (c) Merab Dvalishvili vs. Cory Sandhagen; bantam title
  • Jiri Prochazka vs. Khalil Rountree Jr.; light heavy
  • Josh Emmett vs. Youssef Zalal; feather
  • Joe Pyfer vs. Abus Magomedov; middle
  • Patchy Mix vs. Jakub Wiklakz; bantam
  • Ateba Gautier vs. Ozzy Diaz; middle
  • Edmen Shahbazyan vs. Andre Muniz; middle
  • Macy Chiasson vs. Yana Santos; bantam
  • Veronica Hardy vs. Brogan Walker; fly
  • Ramiz Brahimaj vs. Austin Vanderford; welter
  • Daniel Santos vs. Joo Sang Yoo; feather

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This article first appeared on MMA on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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