In the world of mixed martial arts, rivalries can ignite quickly, and the latest flare-up between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira is a testament to that. This week, Ankalaev seized the opportunity to taunt Pereira following a controversial post on Pereira's social media, which the Brazilian fighter claimed was made by a hacker. The incident has not only stirred up tensions between the two fighters but has also raised questions about Pereira's future in the UFC.
On May 7, 2025, Pereira posted a cryptic message on X (formerly Twitter) that hinted at his discontent with the UFC and suggested he might be considering retirement. The post read: "I always answered the UFC’s calls, but if they want to play with me, we can do that. I’ve never spoken poorly of the UFC but with what I’ve just heard I’m disheartened. I’ve already had thoughts of not fighting anymore, and after what was just relayed to me this may be the start." This message sent shockwaves through the MMA community, with fans fearing that one of the UFC's star fighters was contemplating stepping away from the sport.
However, Pereira quickly clarified the situation in a video posted on Instagram, stating that he had been hacked and had no intention of retiring. "I received a ton of messages, getting messages from everyone who saw a post from Twitter. I didn’t even know about it, I was hacked," he said. The Brazilian fighter insisted he has a good relationship with the UFC and dismissed any retirement rumors, attributing the incident to malicious individuals. "Some people like to do bad things. That’s that," Pereira added.
In the wake of Pereira's claims, Ankalaev couldn't resist the chance to mock his rival. The Russian fighter took to social media to jokingly claim responsibility for the hack. "I hacked his account. Don’t worry, Alex. I’m waiting for you. The only thing hacked was Alex’s brain. He’s not a champion anymore. I’m waiting for you. Don’t worry," Ankalaev wrote. This cheeky response has only intensified the rivalry between the two fighters, who have a history that dates back to their recent bout.
Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira first clashed in the octagon on March 8, 2025, at UFC 313 in Las Vegas. In that match, Pereira entered the fight as the reigning light heavyweight champion, but Ankalaev emerged victorious by unanimous decision after a five-round battle. The bout was notable for Ankalaev's grappling prowess, which neutralized Pereira's striking power, ultimately leading to the end of Pereira's title reign.
Since that fight, both fighters have expressed interest in a rematch. Ankalaev, now the light heavyweight champion, has indicated that he is ready to face Pereira again, potentially in August 2025. "I’m waiting for you. Don’t worry," he reiterated in his social media posts, emphasizing his desire for an immediate rematch.
The anticipation for a rematch between Ankalaev and Pereira continues to grow, especially after the dramatic events of this week. Fans are eager to see how Pereira will respond to Ankalaev's taunts and whether he can reclaim his title. The UFC has yet to confirm the date for the rematch, but discussions suggest it could be on the card for UFC 319.
As the situation develops, many are left wondering about the dynamics between the two fighters. Pereira, who has been a fan favorite since joining the UFC in 2021, has a storied career that includes becoming a two-division champion. His rise in the sport has been marked by thrilling fights and a reputation for stepping into the headliner spot when needed. However, the recent turmoil has cast a shadow over his future.
After losing his title, Pereira's focus has been on regaining his position in the UFC. His fans have rallied behind him, eager to see him back in the octagon and fighting for glory once again. Meanwhile, Ankalaev has been steadily building his own legacy, having fought four times since 2022, compared to Pereira's seven. This disparity in activity could be a crucial factor as both fighters prepare for their next encounter.
The rivalry between Ankalaev and Pereira is emblematic of the fierce competition in the UFC, where personal and professional stakes run high. With both fighters eager to prove themselves, the stage is set for a thrilling rematch that could redefine their careers.
As the MMA community watches closely, the upcoming months will be pivotal for both fighters. Will Pereira bounce back and reclaim his title, or will Ankalaev solidify his reign as champion? The answers lie ahead as the two prepare to settle their score in the octagon.
