Reigning light heavyweight kingpin Alex Pereira is reportedly gearing up for a potential fourth title defense. However, the Brazilian has once again opted to ignore top contender Magomed Ankalaev. While the UFC has yet to officially announce anything, anticipation is already mounting within the MMA community for this inevitable meeting down the line.

It’s been a recurring theme for the Russian ever since he first competed for the crown way back in 2022 to be sidelined for one reason or the other. As speculation swirls about this ‘nightmarish’ challenge for ‘Poatan’, many experts predict that the stylistic contrast between Pereira and Ankalaev could present a significant challenge for the champion. However, former UFC champion Daniel Cormier has offered a different perspective, expressing confidence in Pereira’s ability to handle Ankalaev should the fight materialize. Let’s see what ‘DC’ had to say!

Daniel Cormier gives a piece of his mind on Pereira vs. Ankalaev

Last month, Magomed Ankalaev sparked excitement with bold claims about a potential showdown with the division king Alex Pereira. Ankalaev declared, “Dana White told my team I am next for Alex. Thank you for clearing this today.” Despite his statement, the UFC has yet to make any official announcements, leaving fans eager for confirmation of what promises to be an electrifying matchup.

Ankalaev, who has held the top spot in the 205lbs rankings for an extended period, is widely regarded as Pereira’s most formidable challenge in the division. Pereira has consistently overwhelmed his opponents with his devastating striking ability. However, questions persist about his ground game, an area where Ankalaev excels as one of the division’s best wrestlers. Yet, not everyone shares this sentiment.

Former UFC champion Daniel Cormier recently offered a differing perspective. ‘DC’ took to his YouTube channel and said, “You would think that he [Alex] would be fighting against Magomed Ankalev. Who many thought would be a nightmare of a match-up for him. But if I am being honest with you if you watched the last fight between Rakic and Ankalaev, I thought Rakic fought better which made it a tougher fight for Ankalaev. It’s hard not to think that Alex Pereira would find the same kind of success that he’s been finding against everyone else.”

Cormier further added, “But people are misunderstanding a little bit like Ankalaev is not this high-level great wrestler. He’s the best wrestler in light heavyweight division right now”. However, the verbal battle between the duo is far from over and Ankalaev is adamant about getting his way. He recently took to his X account but this time, involved the Brazilian’s teammate as well. Let us take a look at what he had to say.

Magomed Ankalaev mocks Alex Pereira with a stiff verbal jab

Even before his victory over Aleksandar Rakic in October, many believed Ankalaev was the most deserving contender for a title shot. When the fight didn’t materialize, some speculated that the UFC was trying to “protect” Pereira from Ankalaev’s wrestling-heavy style. Now, tensions have escalated as Ankalaev has made things personal. In a post on X, the Russian accused Pereira of avoiding a fight with him, comparing it to how Pereira’s coach and former UFC fighter, Glover Teixeira, supposedly avoided him as well.

He tweeted, “@AlexPereiraUFC I’m not surprised you doing the same thing your coach did when they offer him title chat against me @gloverteixeira run.” For the unversed, former champ, Jiri Prochazka was originally set to defend his gold against Glover Teixeira at UFC 282. However, Prochazka suffered a shoulder injury and was forced to relinquish the title. In response, the UFC looked into arranging a title fight between Teixeira and Ankalaev, but the Brazilian ultimately turned down the opportunity.

Despite Ankalaev’s impressive unbeaten run and high ranking in the light heavyweight division, Pereira has yet to give him a shot at the title. Frustrated by the delay, Ankalaev previously accused Pereira of avoiding him, even going as far as calling the champion a “chicken.” Do you think Pereira should face Ankalaev next? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.