Overview

• Magomed Ankalaev, who won the UFC light heavyweight title at UFC 313, says the UFC offered him a rematch with Alex Pereira for UFC 317, but Pereira declined.
• Journalist Ariel Helwani corroborated Ankalaev’s claim that Pereira was contacted for the rematch during International Fight Week.
• Ankalaev publicly called out Pereira on social media, urging him to fight in Abu Dhabi, but Pereira has not responded to the challenge.
• Alex Pereira, instead of addressing the fight, announced an autograph session in New Jersey, drawing criticism from fans and speculation about his future in the division.
• Other top contenders like Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg are being discussed as potential challengers for Ankalaev if Pereira remains unavailable.