Magomed Ankalaev, the undisputed light heavyweight champion of the UFC, has hinted at a potential rematch with former titleholder Alex Pereira, signaling that the long-anticipated clash could happen as early as August. The Russian fighter, who most recently claimed the divisional crown at UFC 313 in a controversial unanimous decision victory over Pereira, has dropped several clues about where this highly awaited rematch might take place. 

Ankalaev’s victory at UFC 313 was anything but straightforward. The controversial decision, which saw him snatch the light heavyweight title from Pereira, sparked debate among fans and analysts alike. While some felt Ankalaev had earned the win, others criticized the fight’s scoring, with many pointing to the competitive nature of the bout and Pereira’s performance. Regardless, Ankalaev emerged victorious and made it clear that he was open to offering Pereira a chance to reclaim the title immediately. 

Since his victory, the champion has been vocal about wanting to give Pereira an opportunity to fight for his former crown. Ankalaev has even confirmed that contracts for the rematch have already been negotiated. His latest revelations, posted on social media, have sparked fresh speculation about the specifics of the fight. 

On his official X account, Ankalaev teased the possibility of the rematch taking place in Chicago, further fueling the excitement around the potential clash. “Who likes deep dish pizza?” Ankalaev cryptically wrote, followed by, “One month ago, I broke a lot of hearts. In August, BIG ANK is here to dunk Chicago Bulls style.” These words seem to suggest that Ankalaev is targeting a UFC card in Chicago this summer for the fight, although he has not confirmed any specifics regarding the exact date or location beyond the hints he has shared.

The UFC has been known to host high-profile events in Chicago, making it a likely destination for a major rematch. Ankalaev’s words only add to the growing anticipation for this fight. It’s clear that he has already set his sights on another title defense, and August seems to be the target for that showdown. However, despite his confidence, Ankalaev has also expressed uncertainty about whether Pereira will be willing to accept the challenge.

“I have a feeling you don’t want the rematch after I agreed to August,” Ankalaev posted on X, adding an intriguing element to the situation. His post, which included a playful emoji, seemed to suggest that he believes Pereira may be hesitant to take the fight, even though the rematch would give him a chance to reclaim the title. This added layer of uncertainty only serves to increase the intrigue surrounding the potential bout.

Ankalaev’s comments have raised further questions about Pereira’s mindset. The former champion, who has previously competed in multiple weight classes, may be weighing his options. After losing the title in such a controversial manner, it’s possible that Pereira may need more time to regroup or consider his next steps carefully. The Brazilian fighter has a reputation for being both physically and mentally tough, and a rematch with Ankalaev would certainly test his resilience and skills in a high-stakes environment.

Looking back at Ankalaev’s career, the fight against Pereira represents a significant milestone. The Makhachkala native, who has long been considered one of the brightest stars in the light heavyweight division, finally achieved championship glory after a hard-fought victory. His earlier attempt at capturing the title had ended in a draw against former champion Jan Blachowicz in December 2022 at UFC 282. Despite the disappointing result, Ankalaev was able to rebound, and his performance at UFC 313 solidified his place as the top contender in the division.

The possibility of an August rematch with Pereira is not just a chance for Ankalaev to defend his title but also a major opportunity for both fighters to prove themselves. Ankalaev’s confidence is evident in his social media posts, but it is clear that he understands the magnitude of the rematch. For Pereira, the bout could represent a chance to prove that his loss at UFC 313 was merely a setback and that he still has what it takes to reclaim the title.

As the summer draws closer, the UFC community will be eagerly awaiting confirmation of the event, with Chicago seeming like a fitting venue for such a high-profile showdown. The match-up between Ankalaev and Pereira is expected to generate immense interest, both from fans and analysts, as it promises to be a thrilling contest between two of the best fighters in the world. With Ankalaev’s hints and the growing anticipation, the fight could be one of the most talked-about events of the year.

Ultimately, the fight’s confirmation would set the stage for a dramatic rematch that could shape the future of the light heavyweight division. Whether or not Pereira accepts the challenge, one thing is certain: the world of mixed martial arts will be watching closely as these two elite fighters prepare for what could be an unforgettable battle.