After Alex Pereira caught the attention of boxing great Anthony Joshua to spark talk of a venture to the ring, Magomed Ankalaev has reminded the UFC light heavyweight champion of his presence.
Pereira has risen to stardom on mixed martial arts' biggest stage in less than three years, capturing both the 185 and 205-pound titles and delivering some brutal knockouts in the process.
"Poatan" currently reigns on the heavier of those two thrones, a position he cemented last weekend in the UFC 303 main event by adding a knockout win over Jiří Procházka to his résumé for the second time.
In the aftermath, many have suggested that Pereira's success and prominence has transcended MMA. At the very least, he's captured intrigue from the boxing world, with Joshua, a former two-time unified heavyweight champion, recently backing the former two-weight Glory Kickboxing champ for yet another sporting switch.
"AJ's" suggestion came on X, where Pereira was quick to respond. The light heavyweight kingpin admitted that a boxing move has always been his "dream," and he asked the British star for opponent recommendations.
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"I’m honored you think so. It’s always been my dream, I’m 37 I cannot make a career in it so who do you recommend I fight?"
That interaction didn't make for good reading for the man seemingly waiting in the wings for "Poatan" in MMA...
Ankalaev Unimpressed By Pereira Entertaining Boxing Talk
Magomed Ankalaev has staked his claim for a shot at Pereira's belt ever since opening his 2024 campaign with a vicious knockout of Johnny Walker at the Apex.
And the Russian was quick to reiterate his perceived number one contender status in the moments after the champ's International Fight Week success in Las Vegas on June 29.
With patience not part of his approach to securing another title chance, Ankalaev has since remained active on social media, mostly vowing to stop Pereira on the feet.
In one of his latest posts, the Russian took aim at Pereira for entertaining talk of a boxing switch.
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"@AlexPereiraUFC One more Ufc champion want to run to boxing because he knows he’s going to lose his belt next," Ankalaev wrote.
In another tweet, Ankalaev once again promised to shock the community by knocking Pereira out. He also insisted that the Brazilian has no need for a boxing switch until he's faced his toughest test inside the cage.
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"Me vs you I’m knocking you out the first round You don’t need boxing you need your biggest challenge in your life @danawhite @Mickmaynard2"