Magomed Ankalaev Exposes UFC: Pereira Is a Money-Making Tool, Protected to Sell PPV Tickets While a Worthy Opponent Is Shamefully Ignored?

Magomed Ankalaev broke character on Thursday, March 6, during a press conference where the UFC light heavyweight title contender had the chance to address fans and his opponent at UFC 313, reigning champion Alex Pereira. However, instead of the usual pre-fight banter, Ankalaev made a bold decision to criticize the Brazilian fighter and the UFC itself.

The 205-pound contenders are set to headline the pay-per-view event broadcast on ESPN from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This main event is highly anticipated due to Pereira’s proven skills across multiple weight classes. However, Ankalaev believes he will provide the toughest challenge the champion has faced to date.

Magomed Ankalaev Calls Out UFC for Protecting Alex Pereira

“I see that in this fight, everyone is against me,” Ankalaev stated on stage, just two days before fight night.

Despite his comments, Ankalaev—a dominant Dagestani fighter—has positioned himself as a formidable challenger due to his victories over Thiago Santos, Anthony Smith, Johnny Walker, and Aleksandar Rakic. While Pereira is working towards solidifying his status as the king of the division, Ankalaev remains one of the last remaining threats in the 205-pound weight class.

Despite the competitive nature of the bout, Ankalaev believes the UFC has protected Pereira to build him into a superstar, boost pay-per-view sales, and maximize revenue.

“[Pereira] should thank Dana White for protecting him all this time. Now things will be completely different.”

Ankalaev continued, “We are planning to completely dominate him on Saturday. We will make sure Chama has no chance.”

Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev: Head-to-Head Record (As of March 7, 2025)

Pereira and Ankalaev headline a stacked UFC card from the Fight Capital of the World. The event also features an electrifying co-main event with Justin Gaethje facing last-minute replacement Rafael Fiziev in a lightweight bout. Gaethje was initially set to face Dan Hooker, a matchup that also promised fireworks. However, the New Zealand striker withdrew from the card due to a hand injury.

Other notable bouts include Jalin Turner vs. Ignacio Bahamondes in a lightweight clash, Amanda Lemos taking on Iasmin Lucindo in a strawweight bout, and King Green making his return to the octagon against Mauricio Ruffy at lightweight.

Is the UFC Favoring Fighters for Business Interests?

Ankalaev’s accusations reflect a growing sentiment among fans and fighters who believe the UFC prioritizes marketability over sporting merit. The organization has often been criticized for fast-tracking certain fighters to title shots while others are forced to navigate a much tougher road. Pereira’s rapid ascent from middleweight champion to light heavyweight titleholder is a prime example.

While Pereira’s knockout power and charisma have made him a fan favorite, Ankalaev argues that he is the more complete fighter. His elite wrestling and grappling skills could expose weaknesses in Pereira’s game, making this a far more competitive matchup than some expect.

The UFC’s Business Model: Fighters or Entertainers?

The UFC operates as both a sport and an entertainment business. While rankings and meritocracy exist on paper, the reality is that ticket sales, pay-per-view buys, and fighter popularity often dictate matchmaking decisions. Fighters like Conor McGregor, Israel Adesanya, and now Alex Pereira have all benefited from UFC’s push to market them as global superstars. This raises the question: Is Pereira being protected not because of his skill but because of his ability to sell fights?

Ankalaev is not alone in feeling overlooked. Many fighters in the past have struggled to secure title opportunities despite impressive winning streaks. Fighters like Beneil Dariush, Leon Edwards before his title reign, and Tony Ferguson in his prime were all examples of athletes who had to wait longer than expected for a shot at UFC gold.

For Ankalaev, the message is clear—he must win definitively and dominantly to ensure he does not get ignored. His game plan against Pereira will likely involve avoiding striking exchanges and instead utilizing his superior grappling to neutralize Pereira’s knockout power.

The Impact of UFC 313 on the Light Heavyweight Division

UFC 313 is a pivotal event for the 205-pound division. If Ankalaev secures a victory, it will likely disrupt the UFC’s plans of building Pereira into a long-term champion. If Pereira wins, he will continue to establish himself as one of the most dominant and marketable fighters in UFC history.

Should Ankalaev win, it may also force the UFC to reconsider its matchmaking approach. Fighters who have been overlooked for promotional reasons could gain more recognition if the Dagestani contender proves that skill and merit should come before hype and marketing.

However, if Pereira delivers another spectacular finish, it will only reinforce the UFC’s business model of prioritizing fan-friendly, high-action fighters over traditional wrestling-heavy contenders.

What’s Next for the Winner and Loser?

The aftermath of UFC 313 will significantly impact the division’s future. If Pereira wins, potential superfights could be on the horizon, including a possible move to heavyweight or a rematch with former champion Jamahal Hill.

If Ankalaev wins, he will solidify himself as the most dangerous threat in the division. His dominance could set up fights against former title challengers such as Jan Błachowicz or Jiri Procházka, both of whom remain top contenders.

For the loser, the road back to a title shot will be tough. If Pereira loses, UFC may still attempt to build him up for another run at the belt. If Ankalaev loses, he may be forced to fight his way through multiple top-ranked opponents before getting another opportunity.

Final Thoughts: Is UFC 313 a Battle of Skill vs. Hype?

UFC 313 is not just a championship fight; it is a battle that represents two opposing ideologies in MMA. On one hand, Pereira symbolizes the UFC’s star-building machine—a dynamic knockout artist who brings excitement to every fight. On the other hand, Ankalaev represents the traditional path to the title—a disciplined and dominant fighter who believes skill and merit should dictate opportunities.

As the event approaches, fans are divided. Some believe Pereira’s striking is too dangerous for Ankalaev, while others think the Dagestani fighter’s wrestling will expose Pereira’s weaknesses. Regardless of the outcome, UFC 313 is set to be one of the most important events of the year.

The question remains: Will UFC 313 prove that skill still matters in MMA, or will it reinforce the idea that the UFC’s business model values entertainment over competition? All eyes will be on Las Vegas to see if Magomed Ankalaev can back up his words and disrupt the UFC’s carefully crafted plans.