Former UFC star proposes opponent for Magomed Ankalaev's first title decision amidst Alex Pereira's continued uncertainty

UFC 313 yielded the most unexpected results of all time. Russian fighter Magomed Ankalaev ended Alex Pereira 's five-match winning streak, thereby claiming the light heavyweight title. Even though there were talks of a rematch between the fighters immediately after the bout, the recent string of events associated with Pereira has minimised the possibility of the bout happening anytime soon. In a recent interview, former UFC legend Josh Thompson suggested the name of another fighter who would be a perfect fit for Magomed’s next fight.
Josh Thomson lists out possible fighters suitable for the title defense, proposes Carlos Ulberg to be best suited for the boutAlex Pereira has recently been involved in a retirement controversy when a now-deleted post was made through the account of the fighter on X. However, the Poatan dismissed such rumors, stating that his account was hacked. This particular statement was interpreted in multiple ways. While many believed what the fighter said, his rival, Magomed Ankalaev, in a sarcastic manner, accepted that he had hacked the account of the Brazilian fighter. However, MMA analysts like Daniel Cormier believed that the account was not hacked and there was some amount of truth in the statement that was made by the fighter.

With all these going on, the Russian fighter also revealed a UFC offer that gave the fighter a chance to either step into the Octagon against Pereira or have any other opponent. As Magomed reveals the offer, he also mentions that if the Brazilian fighter doesn’t accept the bout offer, he is ready to move on with some other fighter.

While nothing has been confirmed as of now, former UFC legend Josh Thompson in a recent episode of Weighing in talks about the potential opponent for Magomed Ankalaev after Alex Pereira in the light heavyweight division.


“What you have is Jamahal Hill coming off a loss, Jan Blachowicz coming off a loss, Aleksandar Rakic coming off a loss, Khalil Rountree Jr. coming off a loss. Dominick Reyes is number eight, he’s got a win.” The fighter continued, “You’ve got Carlos Ulberg, that’s it, at number three. You have Jiri, but Jiri can’t fight.” Thompson analysed, “I mean, throw, I would say Ulberg, put him in there, see if Ankalaev will stand with him as well. There’s nothing else you can do. I mean, we’re looking for that guy to bring an exciting fight to Ankalaev because right now, good luck trying to sell that.”

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Carlos Ulberg is another impressive fighter with an 8-1 UFC record. One of the top contenders for the division, the fighter would be a good choice for Ankalaev’s title defense. Only time will tell who the Russian fighter will be facing next if not the Poatan.