The highly anticipated matchup between UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira and top contender Magomed Ankalaev is reportedly off the table for UFC 310. This news comes as a disappointment to many fans who were eagerly awaiting a potential year-end clash between two of the division’s most formidable fighters.
Alex Pereira won’t save another UFC pay-per-view on short notice
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The speculation surrounding this bout began when welterweight champion Belal Muhammad was forced to withdraw from his scheduled title defense against Shavkat Rakhmonov due to a toe infection. As the UFC scrambled to find a suitable replacement for the main event, rumors quickly circulated that Pereira might step in to save the card.
Adding fuel to the fire, Pereira himself seemed to tease the possibility of a quick turnaround by posting a phone emoji on social media shortly after Muhammad’s withdrawal was announced. This cryptic message led many to believe that the Brazilian champion was in talks with the UFC for a short-notice title defense.
However, according to reports from MMA Fighting, the fight between Pereira and Ankalaev is not being discussed for the December 7 event. This revelation has left fans and pundits alike wondering what the UFC’s plans are for the year-end pay-per-view card.
The situation becomes even more intriguing when considering recent statements from Ankalaev’s camp. Sukrab Magomedov, Ankalaev’s coach, expressed skepticism about the possibility of the fight happening at UFC 310. “This is all just talk. There has been no official offer,” Magomedov stated, adding that while Ankalaev is ready to perform in December and has no visa issues, there are doubts about Pereira’s willingness to take the fight.
It’s worth noting that Pereira has had an exceptionally active 2024, stepping up to save multiple UFC cards with late-notice fights. If he were to accept and win a fight against Ankalaev in December, it could potentially secure him the “Fighter of the Year” accolade, just when many thought Ilia Topuria had locked it up.
For Ankalaev, this situation represents another setback in his quest for UFC gold. The Dagestani fighter has been on an impressive 11-fight unbeaten streak and is widely regarded as the deserving number-one contender in the light heavyweight division. His recent victory over Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 308 seemed to solidify his position as the next in line for a title shot.
As it stands, UFC 310’s main event remains in flux. With Pereira vs. Ankalaev apparently off the table, the current top bout on the card is a flyweight title fight between champion Alexandre Pantoja and challenger Kai Asakura. The UFC will likely be working overtime to secure a suitable main event that can carry the promotion’s final pay-per-view of the year.
