Newly-minted light heavyweight kingpin, Magomed Ankalaev has now changed tune on his rivalry with Alex Pereira — claiming the Brazilian star “deserves” an immediate rematch with him following their UFC 313 decision.
Ankalaev, who challenged Sao Paulo knockout ace, Pereira earlier this month, ended the former two-weight champion’s reign at 205lbs, turning in a controversial unanimous decision win in the pair’s long-anticipated championship clash.
And initially welcoming a showdown with the Brazilian in the immediate aftermath, Ankalaev then flip-flopped, claiming he would be open to fighting Pereira in the future — but maybe not as soon as his first title defense.