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Magomed Ankalaev could see not one, but two title fights with Alex Pereira coming his way.
The #2-ranked UFC light heavyweight contender put in some major work ahead of UFC 313 and is unbeaten in his last 13 fights, making him undeniable for the next title opportunity. A model champion, Pereira is set to defend his title for the fourth time in 11 months.
Alex Pereira places $200,000 bet with Magomed Ankalaev ahead of UFC 313
Magomed Ankalaev On Idea Of Alex Pereira Rematch
While the road to gold for Ankalaev might have been prolonged after a title fight draw with Jan Blachowicz in 2022, the Russian contender says he wouldn't reject an immediate rematch with Pereira, should he get his hand raised on Saturday.
"I have never said no to rematches," Ankalaev said through a translator during a recent media scrum (via MMA Mania). "There's two already, I think in my career that somebody said that they deserve a rematch right away, and I gave them that chance."
Following controversy in his first fights with Johnny Walker and Ion Cutelaba, Ankalaev would give them both immediate rematches, knocking out the both of them in two rounds.
"So, if it comes to me and I'm the one who decides whether he gets an opportunity for a rematch right away, of course I'll say yes," Ankalaev said of Pereira.
UFC 313 headliners Alex Pereira & Magomed Ankalaev exchange heated messages online
Alex Pereira is currently the UFC's most active champion, beloved by the MMA world for his highlight-reel performances and stone-faced demeanor. Considering his star power and what he's done for the UFC as of late, an automatic title shot could very well be in the cards for "Poatan" if he does fall at UFC 313.
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Huge Blow for Jon Jones as Dana White Doubles Down on White House Card Snub After Tom Aspinall Fight Rejection
Jon Jones stands among the most accomplished fighters in UFC history, having long received Dana White’s support for his exceptional talent. However, years of controversies, suspensions, and legal issues have gradually weakened White’s reliance on him. While Jones’ legacy remains undeniable, his track record has complicated their dynamic. These factors have contributed to White’s increasing caution. Jones retired following a prolonged dispute with current champion Tom Aspinall, but later returned to competition. At UFC 285, he captured the heavyweight title by defeating Ciryl Gane in his comeback fight. He defended the belt at UFC 309 against Stipe Miocic, who retired afterward. Jones then stepped away from the sport again after that win. The announcement of the historic White House event prompted Jones to make another attempt to return. He publicly positioned himself for a spot on the card as soon as plans were revealed. White, however, indicated he would prefer Conor McGregor due to past issues involving Jones’ reliability. This followed Jones’ recent request for a face-to-face apology, which White addressed in media comments. I haven’t said yes or no to anybody yet, but I can’t put Jon Jones in a position where he can [effect this]. I had a deal with him — we had a deal to fight Tom Aspinall. We had a deal and he said, ‘You know what? I’m not going to do it.’ I can’t be in that position. I’ve got to have someone [reliable]. Dana White via Flagrant podcast White outlined McGregor’s impact by pointing to his consistency in accepting significant opportunities. He emphasized the Irishman’s availability and readiness when the promotion needs him. This factor has influenced White’s thinking for the high-profile White House card. The event’s magnitude has heightened the need for dependable headliners, as it is the first-ever MMA event at the White House. Jones’ history includes multiple failed drug tests that resulted in suspensions and a stripped title. He has also faced legal incidents, including a 2015 hit-and-run that removed him from championship status. Additional arrests and controversies have followed throughout his career. These recurring issues continue to affect perceptions of his dependability. Jones has also expressed interest in facing Alex Pereira at the White House event, especially after UFC 321’s title fight between Aspinall and Gane ended in a no-contest. That outcome strengthened his push to return for the historic card. White has stated that matchmaking will not begin until February 2026. The final lineup remains uncertain as Jon Jones and Dana White navigate their ongoing tensions. Jon Jones talks about his relationship with Dana White Jon Jones is recognized as one of the most accomplished fighters in MMA history, holding multiple reigns across two UFC divisions. His lengthy championship run and consistent victories over top contenders solidified his standing in the sport. Jones’ performances influenced competitive standards within the UFC. His credentials remain among the most significant in modern MMA. Jones has long been one of Dana White’s preferred athletes due to his dominance and star power. White has repeatedly credited Jones for contributing to the UFC’s rise and has labeled him the greatest fighter in the company’s history. Their relationship has fluctuated through periods of support and conflict. Jones’ latest remarks highlight that long-running dynamic. When he’s feeling me, I think I’m one of his favorite fighters; when he’s not feeling me, I’m probably the reason why he has a bald head. Jon Jones via No Scripts Podcast ‘Bones’ is widely regarded as the biggest American superstar in the sport, reflected in years of championship success and broad recognition. Daniel Cormier and Matt Brown have supported his push to be included on the White House card. Their endorsements show the influence Jones maintains within the MMA community. The final decision rests with Dana White as planning continues.
Packers Receive Disappointing Injury News Before Vikings Matchup
Jayden Reed’s anticipated return to the practice field for the Green Bay Packers will have to wait a little longer. Despite some growing hope earlier this week that the dynamic wide receiver could begin the next phase of his recovery, head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed Wednesday that Reed will not open his 21-day practice window yet. “He’s not practicing today,” LaFleur said ahead of Sunday’s critical matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. When pressed for a clearer timeline on the second-year standout, who remains on injured reserve with collarbone and foot injuries, LaFleur deferred to the medical staff. “I don’t know. As soon as medical clears him, he’ll be out there,” LaFleur said. “I know he’s excited to get back. As am I.” The optimism had spiked in recent days. On Monday, LaFleur indicated there was a chance Reed and/or rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd could start their practice windows this week. Reed himself fueled the excitement Tuesday by sharing a photo of himself dressed in full uniform on social media. Those plans, however, are now on hold. Reed’s surgically repaired foot seems to have healed satisfactorily, but the collarbone—fractured on a diving attempt during the first half of Green Bay’s Week 2 victory over the Washington Commanders—still needs additional time. For a wide receiver whose job involves regular physical contact and the risk of landing hard on the shoulder, the medical staff is requiring clear imaging evidence that the bone is strong enough before green-lighting a return. The cautious approach echoes the Packers’ handling of Aaron Rodgers’ similar collarbone injury in 2017, when the former quarterback sat out seven games while waiting for full healing. Nearly 10 weeks removed from the injury and having already missed eight contests, Reed could still require another one to two weeks before doctors are comfortable clearing him for football activities. That timeline keeps a potential return for the Thanksgiving night clash with the Detroit Lions or the following week against the Chicago Bears realistically in play. Before the injury, Reed had established himself as Green Bay’s top receiving weapon. He paced the team in receiving yards in both 2023 and 2024, and in the two games he played this season while managing the foot issue, he recorded three receptions for 45 yards and a touchdown. The Green Bay Packers will continue their Week 12 preparations without their leading wideout on the practice field, with LaFleur and the organization prioritizing full recovery over a rushed comeback.
Aaron Rodgers explains his criteria for playing Sunday vs. Bears
Aaron Rodgers has always been a tough quarterback. He has dealt with several injuries throughout the course of his career, but he's always done everything he could to see the field. That's no different now that he's with the Pittsburgh Steelers and dealing with a fracture in his left (non-throwing) wrist. Rodgers injured himself against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, but he's already talking about trying to get back for Pittsburgh's Week 12 contest against the Chicago Bears. In fact, he revealed on Wednesday that he will try things out at practice before this week is over. "It feels better than it did Sunday, that's for sure," Rodgers said Wednesday afternoon, according to Brooke Pryor of ESPN. "... Was thankful to get today to work with [head athletic trainer Gabe Amponsah] and just focus on rehab for today. Trying to get back on the field tomorrow and see what I can do." Aaron Rodgers going to test out his wrist injury on Thursday Rodgers wants to be able to play against the Bears, a team he has owned throughout the years, but he's also saying that he'll be cautious. Remember, he is just weeks away from turning 42. A fractured wrist would be tough to play with at 24. As anyone who has ever gotten older would attest, things tend to hurt even more as you age. Throw in the fact that Rodgers is playing perhaps the most physical sport on Earth, and it makes sense that he does have a very specific standard that he must meet before he decides if he can play — and it has nothing to do with pain. "It's a safety thing," Rodgers said. Rodgers has played in 29 regular-season games against the Bears in his NFL career. Including two playoff wins, he boasts a 26-5 record against them. Since he last squared off with Chicago as the quarterback of the Green Bay Packers in 2022, he had won nine games in a row against the Bears. If he feels he can keep himself safe on Sunday, you can bet he's going to try to play.
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Pelicans' Derik Queen lives up to 'Baby Jokic' nickname vs. Nuggets
New Orleans Pelicans rookie center Derik Queen earned the nickname "Baby Jokic" during his college career at Maryland. He showed why on Wednesday night. The Pelicans hosted the Denver Nuggets and center Nikola Jokic at Smoothie King Center. Queen held his own in his second game against the three-time league MVP. Derik Queen had career night against Nikola Jokic and Co. In Denver's 125-118 victory, Queen — the 13th pick of the 2025 NBA Draft — scored a season-high 30 points on outstanding 12-of-18 shooting from the field. The 20-year-old rookie also had nine rebounds, four assists, two blocks and two steals. Jokic, meanwhile, scored 28 points on 10-of-18 shooting from the field and had 12 assists and 11 rebounds. It was his third straight game with a triple-double, which is what fans have come to expect from one of the best players in the world. Queen, of course, has a long way to go to reach the heights that Jokic has in his career. He still may never do so. The 30-year-old veteran is at the pinnacle of the sport. The Nuggets standout has earned five first-team All-NBA selections and won a championship in 11 seasons with Denver. In a list published on Nov. 10, The Athletic ranked him as the NBA's fifth-best player since 2000, behind former Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, former San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan, Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry and Lakers forward LeBron James. While he may never approach the same tier as Jokic, Wednesday night's performance should make the Pelicans feel they took the right guy in Queen. He's beginning to showcase the skills that had many scouts believe the 6-foot-9, 250-pound center could be a star. "Queen's deep repertoire of post moves, excellent touch with both hands and strong footwork make him one of the class's most reliable interior scorers, even without elite vertical athleticism," wrote Bleacher Report's NBA staff in its pre-draft scouting report. The Pelicans need Queen — who was averaging 10.4 points per game entering Wednesday — to stay on this trajectory. That would give New Orleans (2-13) a player it can keep building around. Plus, it would prove he's deserving of his moniker.
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