The world of UFC is abuzz with controversy! Alex Pereira, the reigning light heavyweight champion, has some strong words for his recent opponent, Magomed Ankalaev.
Pereira's victory at UFC 320 was a sweet revenge, knocking out Ankalaev in a highly anticipated rematch. But here's where it gets controversial: Ankalaev's team revealed post-fight that he had been battling a broken rib during their training camp.
Pereira isn't buying it. In a recent podcast appearance, he dismissed Ankalaev's injury claims, stating, "I've always been injured. It's all the same." He went on to say, "If Ankalaev saw my injuries, he'd feel like quitting. He'd be asking himself, 'What am I even doing here?'"
Pereira even challenged Ankalaev to a medical results showdown, confident that his own injuries would outshine Ankalaev's.
And this is the part most people miss: Pereira isn't just talking about physical injuries. He's implying that the mental game is just as important, if not more.
So, what's next for these two fighters? Well, it's unlikely they'll face each other again anytime soon. Pereira has his eyes on the heavyweight division, with potential challenges against Tom Aspinall and Jon Jones on the horizon.
The tension between Pereira and Ankalaev is palpable, and it seems their rivalry isn't going away anytime soon.
What do you think? Is Pereira right to dismiss Ankalaev's injury claims? Or is there more to this story than meets the eye? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!