It was supposed to be a legendary rivalry in the making—two light heavyweight titans locked in a high-stakes battle for the championship. However, just months after Magomed Ankalaev dethroned Alex Pereira, the much-anticipated rematch has yet to take place. Instead, there has been stillness. No trash-talking. No negotiations finalized. Just speculation that grows louder with each passing day. Now, one UFC legend has stepped in, and he’s pointing fingers at the Brazilian.

Chael Sonnen, never one to hold back on words, has begun speculating on his YouTube channel by posing the uncomfortable question: Is Alex Pereira avoiding a rematch with Magomed Ankalaev? It is no longer only about scheduling delays. ‘The American Gangster,’ a seasoned veteran of the sport’s political undercurrents, confirms what fans have secretly feared: there is no indication that ‘Poatan’ intends to fight Ankalaev again.

“Does Alex Pereira want the world title? Fight the rematch? Does he want Big Ank?” Sonnen asked before delivering the bombshell. “There’s nothing—nothing I can turn to,” he said, referring to Pereira’s complete lack of statements, interviews, or social media posts indicating a desire to reclaim the title he defended thrice. Let’s not forget that cryptic post about him not being happy with the UFC, that ‘Poatan’ claimed he didn’t post as his X account was hacked.

Sonnen believes Pereira’s silence on the rematch itself is not strategic, but rather telling. “He does not think the judges got it right that night. He does want to stay at 205 pounds. He does want that belt back—there’s nothing that says that.” Meanwhile, on the other side of the cage, Magomed Ankalaev is becoming restless. Since UFC 313, when he decisively defeated Pereira, the Russian has issued numerous challenges.

The most blatant came in the guise of a public dare: “If the man don’t want it, let’s move on. I’m ready for everyone. I dare you.” His manager has been more polite, respecting Pereira’s packed fight schedule while emphasizing the importance of a rematch. However, no date has been set, and with UFC 317 quickly approaching, the time is ticking.

So, is Pereira avoiding the fight, or is he simply taking the high road? Chael Sonnen says it could be an issue of “courtesy“—a champion who refuses to stir up trouble or call anyone out. However, in a sport where silence is sometimes interpreted as weakness, fans are left wondering if there’s more to this. Whether it’s fear, exhaustion, or pure strategy, Alex Pereira’s silent retreat from the rematch discussion is beginning to speak volumes.

And if he doesn’t speak up soon, Magomed Ankalaev, rather than Pereira, may define the next age of the light heavyweight category. But what if he does end up fighting him again? Will he be able to win this time around? Well, not according to the reigning champion’s manager.

Magomed Ankalaev’s manager drops a brutal prognostication on Alex Pereira’s rematch

Alex Pereira‘s silence may be generating a stir among fans and analysts, but it is also fueling something else: pure trust in the Ankalaev team. If there was any doubt about Magomed Ankalaev’s desire to rematch the former champion, his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, made it clear. He not only wants a rematch; he believes it won’t even be close this time. And, while he acknowledged Alex Pereira’s accomplishments, his prediction for a future rematch? Absolute ruthlessness.

“I think Ankalaev would beat him worse the next time,” Abdelaziz said, explaining how his fighter dealt with what others feared. “Everybody fought Alex very scared. Ankalaev went in there, toe-to-toe with him, and he hurt him. He didn’t hurt Ankalaev.” That was the tone: direct, confident, and piercing. The manager is not just betting on a win; he predicts dominance. According to him, if the rematch occurs, Pereira will not make it past the third round.

That’s more than just a tactical breakdown; it’s a message set to rattle cages. Abdelaziz even joked that Ankalaev may have “hacked” Pereira’s account after the Brazilian momentarily wrote (and then erased) an X post hinting at retirement. And, while he praised ‘Poatan’ for his aggressive fight schedule—three title fights in a year—he didn’t shy away from indicating that the loss exposed a ceiling. But what do you think? Do you believe the Brazilian is avoiding a rematch? Let us know in the comments.