Pereira Confirms He Requested Ankalaev Fight for UFC 313, Eyes Potential Trilogy with Prochazka

UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira is putting rumors to rest—he wanted Magomed Ankalaev for his next title defense at UFC 313. After months of speculation and Ankalaev’s public callouts, Pereira made it clear that he personally requested the fight, set for March 8 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Ankalaev (20-1-1 MMA, 11-1-1 UFC) had been vocal about feeling overlooked in the title picture, believing Pereira was avoiding him. However, Pereira (12-2 MMA, 9-1 UFC) dismissed those claims, stating that he resumed training and felt ready for another challenge.

“I started feeling good, saw my evolution, and called my managers to say I want to fight in March,” Pereira explained in a recent interview. “I asked for Ankalaev. People think I just follow the UFC’s orders, but I wanted this fight.”

The upcoming bout at UFC 313 will see Pereira defending his belt after three successful defenses in just six months. Despite Ankalaev being a slight betting favorite, Pereira remains confident.

“He's an ordinary guy,” Pereira said. “He’s dangerous like everyone else, but I’ve been training hard and I’m ready.”

Meanwhile, former champion Jiri Prochazka remains in the mix after a decisive knockout victory over Jamahal Hill at UFC 311. Prochazka, having lost to Pereira twice, is pushing for a trilogy bout, and Pereira welcomes the idea.

“First, I need to handle Ankalaev, but after that, I’ll be open to facing Jiri again,” Pereira stated.

With UFC 313 shaping up to be a blockbuster event, all eyes will be on Pereira vs. Ankalaev as the division’s future hangs in the balance.