The highly anticipated landscape of the UFC Light Heavyweight division is once again a topic of intense discussion, fueled by the exceptionally confident statements from Ali Abdelaziz, manager for top contender Magomed Ankalaev. While Alex Pereira currently reigns as the division`s champion, the narrative from Ankalaev`s camp points unequivocally towards an imminent and decisive collision, potentially as early as October.
The Manager`s Unwavering Conviction
Abdelaziz, known for his outspoken nature and fierce loyalty to his fighters, recently articulated his profound belief in Ankalaev`s capabilities during an appearance on the Pound-for-Pound podcast. His message was clear: a future bout with Pereira isn`t just probable; it`s practically a foregone conclusion in Ankalaev`s favor, and the outcome, according to him, will be far from competitive.
“I think Alex is a good fighter. I think he’s a real fighter. He’s a lion. But in a way, Ankalaev should have been champion two or three years ago. Alex would have never been the champion. I’m going to tell you something — if they fight again, and they will fight again, probably in October — it’s going to be worse for Alex.”
This bold proclamation isn`t merely managerial hype; it stems from a deep-seated conviction that Ankalaev possesses a unique blend of skills that current champion Alex Pereira has yet to encounter. Abdelaziz suggested that many of Pereira`s prior opponents, while formidable, might not have represented the “high-level strikers” necessary to truly test his mettle, subtly dismissing past victories in favor of a narrative of unmatched skill from his own fighter.
Ankalaev`s Multifaceted Arsenal
The manager painted a vivid picture of Ankalaev as a complete mixed martial artist, proficient in all facets of the game. Unlike many specialists, Ankalaev`s skillset extends beyond a single discipline. “Ankalaev, he can wrestle, he can grapple, and he can strike. Actually, I think Ankalaev is more of a striker than a grappler,” Abdelaziz asserted, highlighting a versatile approach that he believes will be Pereira`s undoing.
This multi-dimensional threat is precisely what Abdelaziz believes sets Ankalaev apart and why he anticipates such a dominant performance. He even alluded to moments in past fights where Ankalaev demonstrated the power to hurt opponents, instilling a level of confidence that he argues is now fully matured within the Dagestani fighter. This self-assurance, combined with a formidable unbeaten streak in his recent outings, positions Ankalaev as a truly dangerous contender.
The Champion, The Challenger, and The Timeline
For Ankalaev, who has long been knocking on the door of championship gold, this potential showdown with Alex Pereira represents the culmination of years of relentless effort. The proposed timeline for this high-stakes encounter points to October, with two major pay-per-view events scheduled for the month: UFC 320 in Las Vegas on October 4th, and UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi on October 25th. While Abu Dhabi might offer a more geographically comfortable setting for Ankalaev, the sheer star power of Pereira could dictate a return to the bright lights of Las Vegas.
Regardless of the location, Abdelaziz remains steadfast in his prediction: “it`s Ankalaev’s time.” He points to Pereira`s age (38) and frequent travel as potential factors, though he was quick to commend Pereira`s coach, acknowledging the champion`s strong team. Yet, the underlying message is clear: the perceived window of opportunity for Pereira is closing, while Ankalaev`s ascendancy is just beginning.
Allegations of Undue Obstacles
Adding another layer to the narrative, Abdelaziz didn`t shy away from expressing a sentiment of frustration regarding Ankalaev`s journey to the top. He hinted at perceived obstacles and a lack of support from within the UFC establishment, suggesting that key figures like Hunter Campbell and Mick Maynard had been “sandbagging him.” This accusation, while unverified, paints a picture of a fighter who has had to overcome more than just in-cage opponents to reach this pivotal moment. It injects a touch of defiant irony into the manager`s unwavering confidence, as if to say, “despite their efforts, our time is now.”
Conclusion: A Collision Course
As the autumn leaves begin to turn, the UFC Light Heavyweight division appears poised for a seismic shift. Ali Abdelaziz`s impassioned predictions set the stage for what promises to be one of the most compelling matchups of the year. Whether in the desert heat of Abu Dhabi or the dazzling lights of Las Vegas, the impending clash between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira is shaping up to be a definitive moment, with one manager firmly convinced that the era of “and still” will soon be replaced by the dawn of a new champion.
