The lights had barely dimmed at T-Mobile Arena when the mood of UFC 320 changed to reflection. Magomed Ankalaev lasted just a bit over a minute against Alex Pereira, and that loss was the Dagestani’s first in a really long time. Naturally, he had to sit back and think about what went wrong.

It seems he has the answers now. “If Allah tested me with defeat, then he wants to toughen me,” Ankalaev wrote on Instagram. “I bow to His will, but not to difficulties. To those who stayed – thank you. To those who turned out, thank you too.

“After all, Allah clears the way not only of weakness, but also of unnecessary people.”

While the world praised Pereira’s comeback, it was Magomed Ankalaev‘s quiet response that soon captured everyone’s attention. The words struck a spiritual chord, showing that even in defeat, the Russian chose faith and calm over frustration and anger. And as expected, it didn’t take long for members of Team Khabib to rally behind their compatriot.

Umar Nurmagomedov left a simple lion emoji 🦁 to represent power and endurance. Movsar Evloev added, “Alhamdulillah in any position ☝,” emphasizing the importance of appreciation regardless of outcome.

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, also sent a heart and praying emoji—a subtle expression of support.

These brief gestures showed how deep the bond runs within Team Khabib and the Russian fighting community, where religion and fraternity often speak louder than any post-fight statement. For fans, this response revealed a new type of resilience. While Pereira’s knockdown was praised for its violence and grandeur, Ankalaev’s reaction exemplified stoicism: the ability to bear suffering without drama.

Ankalaev last faced a defeat at UFC Fight Night 127 – Werdum vs. Volkov in 2018. Paul Craig had successfully submitted the Russian.

Now, with some much-needed reality check, the question becomes what’s next for Magomed Ankalaev. Will he be getting a trilogy bout against Alex Pereira?

When Pereira was asked about a trilogy, he stated that he didn’t see Ankalaev returning to the title picture anytime soon. However, one famous name in the fight game would like to disagree. Who is that?

Conor McGregor sees a Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira trilogy coming

Conor McGregor may have just hinted at a trilogy, something Alex Pereira is not lobbying for. ‘The Notorious’ praised both fighters after UFC 320, when Pereira reclaimed the light heavyweight title with a first-round TKO. Complimenting Pereira’s “skill, will, and determination,” McGregor didn’t leave out Ankalaev’s “guts, ba–s, and honour.”

Then he added, “1-1 now @ufc.” Fans instantly recognized the comparison to McGregor’s own trilogy with Dustin Poirier, suggesting that rivalries tied at one are rarely over. However, Pereira appears to have had enough of Ankalaev. He declared the story was over and questioned Ankalaev’s comeback to title contention. His goal is to move forward, and his convincing victory confirmed that belief.

McGregor’s words, however, serve as a reminder that unfinished business and tied scores often demand a resolution, particularly in high-profile divisions. For now, Magomed Ankalaev’s route back remains unclear. Carlos Ulberg and Jiri Prochazka are also in position for a title shot.

Another Ankalaev vs. Pereira fight might stall the division. It all depends on Dana White and the matchmakers.

Nonetheless, McGregor’s words sparked debate among fans. Whether Alex Pereira wants it or not, the trilogy talk is now alive, keeping the division buzzing.