Magomed Ankalaev’s Bold Message Alex Pereira’s “Death Sentence” at UFC 313

The tension between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev reached new heights after the official announcement of their highly anticipated showdown at UFC 313 on March 9, 2025. As the event draws nearer, both fighters have engaged in a war of words, but it’s Ankalaev who’s been especially outspoken. His words were clear and aggressive, leaving no room for doubt about the outcome he envisions.

Pereira, in a simple social media post, casually mentioned, “See you soon, Ankalaev.” However, the response from Ankalaev was anything but casual. He immediately lashed out, calling Pereira’s decision a “death sentence” for the champion: “You’ve just signed your own death warrant. I will punish you for avoiding me, making you look more like a tire repairman than a professional fighter.” This blunt declaration sent shockwaves through the MMA community, raising the stakes for the clash between these two titans.

Ankalaev’s Frustration Grows: The Wait is Over

Magomed Ankalaev’s frustration has been building over the long wait for a title shot, a delay that only fueled his aggressive attitude toward Pereira. While Pereira had taken time off to rest and train, Ankalaev’s patience was wearing thin. Pereira explained his decision to return to action, revealing that he was eager to face Ankalaev despite his initial desire for rest. “I wanted some time off, but I’ve started training again and feel good. I’m seeing progress, so I called my manager and said, ‘I want to fight Ankalaev in March.'”

Pereira emphasized his willingness to fight anyone the UFC puts in front of him, stating that he simply works for the organization and will compete whenever they ask. However, this challenge doesn’t intimidate the Brazilian champion, who remains confident: “Ankalaev is just as dangerous as any opponent I’ve faced. But I’ve trained hard enough and am ready for him. It’s his time, but once that’s over, I want to give Jiri the shot he’s been asking for.”

Pereira Maintains His Upper Hand

Throughout the back-and-forth, Alex Pereira continues to exhibit a sense of superiority over Ankalaev. Despite the Dagestani fighter’s hard-hitting comments, Pereira remains calm and collected, suggesting that Ankalaev is not the serious threat many believe him to be. Fans have been debating whether Pereira is being protected by the UFC, with some claiming that the organization has been strategically matching him against lower-ranked fighters to avoid the risk of Ankalaev’s power. However, Pereira has consistently stated that he’s ready for whatever challenge comes his way.

In 2024, the debate over whether Ankalaev is truly deserving of a shot at the belt reached a fever pitch. His vocal demands for a fight at Abu Dhabi, a location seen as a “home turf” for Muslim fighters, were seen as a delaying tactic. But now, with the fight officially booked, Ankalaev finally has the opportunity to back up his bold claims.

Ankalaev’s Defiant Statement: “I’m the Best in the World”

With UFC 313 approaching, Ankalaev is more determined than ever to prove his worth. “All the other guys in the Top 5 have been eliminated; I am the best light heavyweight on the planet. No one compares to me, and now I will fight the champion,” he declared confidently. This statement further fueled the tension, as Ankalaev is hell-bent on showing the world that he is indeed the true force in the division.

He didn’t stop there, however. Ankalaev boldly predicted that he would knock Pereira out without ever needing to take the fight to the ground. “I don’t need wrestling; I have enough striking skills to test his chin. I believe I will knock him out. His chin won’t hold up.” These words are sure to stoke the flames of anticipation for their battle.

The Countdown Begins: UFC 313 Set to Deliver

As the clock ticks down toward UFC 313, the animosity between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira is reaching a boiling point. The stakes couldn’t be higher, with Ankalaev making it clear that he intends to take Pereira’s title and prove that he is the true king of the light-heavyweight division. Fans can expect an explosive battle, one that will likely leave the MMA world buzzing for months to come. Will Pereira remain the champion, or will Ankalaev’s knockout power prove too much? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: UFC 313 is set to be one of the most thrilling events of the year.