MORRISTOWN, N.J. – UFC light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev wants Alex Pereira to get a title rematch, but there's only so long he will wait.

Ankalaev (21-1-1 MMA, 12-1-1 UFC) came through as a slight underdog to win the 205-pound title from Pereira (12-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) at UFC 313 in March. Pereira racked up all three of his title defenses in 2024, and since losing the title, appears to want a little time off before making a big return in what is expected to be a rematch for the title.

Manager Ali Abdelaziz understands the situation Pereira is in, but his client, Ankalaev, is eager to get back in the cage soon, and doesn't want to wait around forever for "Poatan."

"Listen, we got asked to fight International Fight Week, we said yes," Abdelaziz told MMA Junkie. "We got asked to fight Alex in August, we said yes. We got asked to fight October. This is what Maga is saying: 'Alex is at every event. He's on vacations, he's doing this – I don't know if he's really going to fight me or he's just having fun.'

"He's like, 'I'm killing myself in the gym. I don't know when I'm fighting him. I'm the champion, I feel like I'm the challenger.' And I said if he's not ready, let me get him some of these other guys."

Ankalaev, 33, fought in January and October last year before his crowning moment against Pereira. Throughout his career, he has typically made two appearances in a calendar year. Now as champion of the divsion, he's hungry to get back in the octagon to record his first title defense. Abdelaziz says he will be patient, for now.

"It's no problem," Abdelaziz said. "I think Alex Pereira earned it, and I think he deserves it. If we have to wait, it's OK. That guy did a lot for the sport, and we respect him, and I think it should be him and Magomed Ankalaev next."

While Team Ankalaev will patiently wait for the rematch, there is a cut-off point. If there's nothing on the books by the time UFC is expected to make a return to Abu Dhabi late in October, they will look to move on.

"Hundred percent – if it's not Abu Dhabi, he will fight someone else, for sure."

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Magomed Ankalaev's manager gives deadline for Alex Pereira rematch

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