While it's not clear who he'll be fighting first in 2025, UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira says it won't be the man many see as his biggest threat in the division.
"Poatan," a former titleholder at 185 pounds, enjoyed a standout year in the Octagon. After being crowned a two-division king last November, the Brazilian successfully defended the 205-pound gold three times in 2024.
Knockout wins over Jamahal Hill, Jiří Procházka, and Khalil Rountree have left Pereira as a leading candidate for Fighter of the Year. But there remains one point of discussion used by his limited group of detractors.
Even prior to his win over Aleksandar Rakić in October, Ankalaev was seen by many as the most deserving of a title shot. With that not coming to fruition, some concluded that the promotion has been looking to 'protect' Pereira from the well-rounded game of the Russian.
And that fire has now had considerable fuel thrown on it.
Despite Ankalaev's unbeaten run and place on the light heavyweight ladder, Pereira has seemingly heard from the promotion that he won't be stood opposite the Brazilian next time out.
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"It won't be Ankalaev!" the light heavyweight titleholder wrote on X.
It didn't take long for a frustrated Ankalaev to appear in the comments section, once again accusing Pereira of deliberately avoiding him by branding the champ a "chicken."
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"Chicken"
With a clash with Ankalaev seemingly out of the running, it remains to be seen what will come next for Pereira.
Given that the Russian sits as the clear top contender at 205 pounds, "Poatan's" recent post could suggest a much-discussed heavyweight venture in pursuit of historic three-weight glory.