Magomed Ankalaev is done playing games with 205lbs god-king Alex Pereira. The Dagestani, of course, is ranked #1 in the division where Pereira is champion. But despite clearly being most deserving of fighting for the title over the past year, Pereira-Ankalaev has still not happened.

Another twist came last month after ‘Poatan’ tweeted that “It won’t be Ankalaev”, which many took to mean that the Dagestani won’t be the Brazilian’s next opponent. This is why fans were surprised to learn yesterday that Anakalev, in fact, will be next for Pereira, as per sources. And the Dagestani contender, who rightfully feels passed over, has taken to social media to take shots at ‘Poatan.’

“[Alex Pereira] you going to do what you been told. You are an employee. See you soon,” Ankalaev tweeted less than an hour ago. As if that wasn’t enough to get his point across, the Dagestani sent out another disrespectful tweet minutes later, seemingly gloating over the reports. “See you soon boy,” he wrote.

Pereira, of course, fought three times last year. While a rematch with Jiri Prochazka and a clash against Jamahal Hill was probably in order, fans were left scratching their heads when the champ was given then #8 ranked Khalil Rountree Jr. for UFC 307. Surely, ‘Russian Terror’ had a better case to fight Pereira than a guy not even in the top five of the division. At least that is what the fans thought.

There isn’t anyone else in the entire top ten of the division who could fight for the title next. Others are either coming off losses or just haven’t done enough to warrant a chance at the division’s throne. The only possible next move for Pereira except for Ankalaev would have been a move up to heavyweight.

But it seems that isn’t happening now and ‘Poatan’ will have to defend his 205-pound title against Ankalaev after all. But why have the UFC and even Pereira seemed so reluctant to fight Ankalav? Well, let’s take a look.

Why do people think the UFC has been ‘protecting’ Alex Pereira from Magomed Ankalaev?

Out of Magomed Ankalaev’s eleven UFC wins, none have come via submission. In fact, he hasn’t even attempted a single submission in his illustrious UFC stint. This is to say that the Dagestani isn’t really a pure wrestler. He can wrestle, don’t get us wrong. But Ankalaev likes to do most of his work on the feet unless he’s fighting a wrestler like Jan Blachowicz or Nikita Krylov.

But most think that since Ankalaev is from Dagestan and has some wrestling skills, he will take Pereira to the ground and maul him at every chance he gets. And till now, ‘Poatan’ has virtually been ineffective on the ground. Moreover, he struggled massively against Blachowicz two years ago. Owing to this, many feel that the UFC and Pereira are reluctant to face Ankalaev.

Even though the Dagestani has promised that he would only use his striking against Pereira. Then again, Blachowicz made similar promises before his Pereira fight only to keep the fight as much as he could. And the UFC is understandably wary of having its biggest current superstar being dethroned by a largely unpopular fighter who doesn’t have a small fraction of the enigma Pereira does.

But it seems the promotion has no choice. Keeping Ankalaev from a title shot now with the division what it is, would make a mockery of the sport. What do you think about Magomed Ankalaev’s sassy tweets at Alex Pereira?