Magomed Ankalaev Targeting Alex Pereira After UFC Fight Night 234 Win

Ankalaev Wants Title Shot After TKO

Magomed Ankalaev is ready for his second UFC title shot after knocking out Nikita Krylov in the main event of UFC Fight Night 234 on Saturday. Ankalaev (18-1 MMA, 9-1 UFC) stopped Krylov (29-10 MMA, 10-8 UFC) in the second round of their light heavyweight bout, extending his winning streak to nine fights.

Ankalaev Lashes Out at Pereira

After the fight, Ankalaev called out UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, who won the title in November by knocking out Israel Adesanya. Ankalaev said he believes he can knock out Pereira (7-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC) and become the new champion.

Ankalaev: 'I'm Ready for Pereira'

"I'm ready for Pereira," Ankalaev said. "I think I can knock him out. He's a good striker, but I think I'm the better striker. I'm ready for him."

Ankalaev's Title Shot Hopes

Ankalaev has been waiting for his second UFC title shot since losing to Jan Blachowicz in a title fight in 2021. He has won three fights in a row since then, including a unanimous decision win over Thiago Santos in March.

Ankalaev's Winning Streak

Ankalaev's nine-fight winning streak is the longest active streak in the UFC light heavyweight division. He has finished his last five opponents, including four by knockout.

Pereira's Next Fight

Pereira's next title defense is expected to come against Jamahal Hill, who earned a title shot with a knockout win over Glover Teixeira in April. The fight is expected to take place in the summer or fall of 2024.