Magomed Ankalaev’s manager suggests 12-1 contender is more dangerous than Alex Pereira

Before meeting Ankalaev, Pereira had enjoyed a strong run as champion. He took the title by knocking out Prochazka, then stopped Jamahal Hill and later edged ‘BJP’ in their rematch.

His most recent title defence came against Rountree Jr. at UFC 307, where he recovered from a slow start to finish the fight in brutal fashion.

Despite Pereira’s record and their closely contested bout earlier this year, Ali Abdelaziz does not view the Brazilian as a major threat to the Russian’s position atop the division.

But there is someone further down the rankings who does have his attention.

“I want to see him (Ankalaev) knocking out Alex Pereira next fight. I want to see him defend the title, clean (out) the division,” said Ankalaev’s manager to Submission Radio.

“Right now, there is a lot of contenders he has not fought. He has not fought Jiri yet, he has not fought Jamahal yet, he has not fought…Carlos (Ulberg).

“Carlos, I am a big fan of this guy,” Abdelaziz continued. “I think he is really good, honestly. I think he is very underrated.

“I think Carlos may be a tougher fight for Ankalaev than Alex Pereira, in my opinion.”

Ulberg is set to face Dominick Reyes at UFC Perth later this year. He aims to extend his win streak and earn his first shot at gold.

Magomed Ankalaev hopes to finish Alex Pereira rivalry once and for all

Ankalaev’s attention is fully on Pereira, who will be out to prove their first meeting was no fluke when they meet again on October 4 in Las Vegas.

With the first fight ending in a split decision that some felt could have gone either way, the Russian champion is aiming to settle things more convincingly this time around.

Ankalaev doesn’t want any doubts lingering after the rematch. He’s hoping there won’t be any factors that could give Pereira an excuse afterward.

“I think the rematch will be much easier than the first fight,” Ankalaev told Sport24ru.

“Statistics always show that fighting me in a rematch is very dangerous. I think we’ll prove again that it’s not a good idea to face me in a rematch.

“I don’t think we’ll have any problems anywhere,” Ankalaev continued. “I actually want him to come into this fight 100 percent so there are no questions about the outcome.”