Magomed Ankalaev thinks Alex Pereira should focus on doing better in their rematch instead of talking trash before UFC 320.

Pereira (12-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) accused Ankalaev (21-1-1 MMA, 12-1-1 UFC) of intentionally avoiding him at the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas less than two weeks out from their light heavyweight title bout on Oct. 4 at T-Mobile Arena (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN).

Ankalaev initially remained silent about the accusations, which came in the form of a heated rant posted by Pereira. The champion issued statements on his social media Wednesday, dismissing the claims and telling “Poatan” that he’s lucky to be getting a second chance (via X):

This clown who I’m fighting said I’m hiding from him, I’m giving him a rematch and he should be very grateful.

I whooped him for 5 rounds and I did everything I wanted to him during the fight.

Let’s focus on fighting and not trash talking.

— Muhammad big ANK Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) September 24, 2025

Ankalaev won the first fight at UFC 313 in March by unanimous decision, extending his unbeaten streak inside the octagon to 14 fights. He is looking for a more clear-cut win in the rematch, however, and posted a bold prediction that will close his chapter with Pereira for good (via X):

This guy has been knocked out 3 times in his career, I never been knocked down.

This time I will give him his 4th knockout, end of the story.

— Muhammad big ANK Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) September 24, 2025

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Magomed Ankalaev responds to ‘clown’ Alex Pereira, plans KO at UFC 320

MMA Mixed Martial Arts News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos