Overview

• Alex Pereira, the reigning UFC light heavyweight champion, will defend his title against top contender Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 on March 8 in Las Vegas.
• Pereira claims he personally requested the fight, but Ankalaev disputes this, accusing the champion of fabricating the narrative to appear in control of the matchup.
• Tensions escalated further after Pereira referred to Ankalaev as an 'ordinary' fighter, while Ankalaev vowed to prove his dominance in the Octagon.
• The scheduling of the fight during Ramadan has drawn criticism, with Ankalaev's teammate Islam Makhachev suggesting the timing may disadvantage the devout Muslim fighter during his preparations.
• Pereira has expressed interest in moving up to heavyweight for a potential legacy fight against Jon Jones, but this hinges on the outcomes of upcoming bouts for both fighters.