Magomed Ankalaev may be the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, but that doesn’t mean the Las Vegas crowd is by his side.
Prior to his title’s first defense at UFC 320, Ankaraev received an overwhelming boo chorus after hitting the scale with a ritual weigh-in, where he faced off for the second time 24 hours apart with Alex Pereira. In their first encounter, Ankaraev never allowed Pereira to stand up, and he ultimately brought the unanimous decision victory to become the champion.
Ankaraev promised more the same, vowing that all those who support Pereira’s name will be very sad on Saturday night.
“The words are finished,” Ankarayev cried to the crowd. “All these people will cry tomorrow!”
As for Pereira, he was stoic, staring at Ankaraev, who was dressed in full-ceremonial outfits, including the war paint he always wears before the battle. The bad blood between these two athletes has been ratchet-up in recent weeks, and Pereira is clearly excited by the opportunity to revenge his past losses on Ankaraev, hoping to retrieve the UFC light heavyweight title at the end.
“I only have one thing to say,” Pereira told the crowd. “This guy is going to pay for everything he said and everything people said in his name. He can’t hide any more.”
The fierce rivalry between Ankaraev and Pereira both seem ready to fight soon, but the joint main event had slightly different energies.
After going a long way to reach the title shot, Corey Sandhagen wins cash and realizes his dream of becoming a champion in the end. Although obviously he is aiming to win the belt, Sandhagen has quickly pointed out that he also wants praise to be achieved and respected as UFC bantamweight king Merab DValish Vili.
“Merab deserves all the respect in the world, but everyone maintains the same energy you’ve been talking to for a week where Merab is a goat and he’s invincible,” Sanhagen said. “I want you to talk to you on Sunday after defeating this guy, so keep that energy up.”
Dvalishvili has kept things simple as they are already preparing for their third title defense in 2025.
“We’re ready,” Dvalishvili said. “My goal is to knock him out, but of course I’m ready for what I’m ready. I won tomorrow.”
The UFC 320 will be down on Saturday night, kicking off the main card with ESPN+ pay-per-view and starting at 10pm.