Magomed Ankalaev calls Alex Pereira victory a lucky punch

Magomed Ankalaev has dismissed Alex Pereira’s victory at UFC 320, characterizing the knockout as a “lucky punch.” Speaking to Bostanov MMA, the Russian fighter suggested that Pereira’s aggressive approach was fueled by prior knowledge regarding an injury Ankalaev sustained during his training camp.

Ankalaev claimed that the rapid conclusion of the fight was unusual, stating, “If he hadn’t known I was injured, I don’t think it would have ended so quickly.” Despite the dispute, a trilogy bout in the light heavyweight division appears unlikely in the near future as both fighters move toward different goals.

Pereira is currently preparing for a heavyweight bout against Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 335, scheduled for December 12. Ankalaev is looking to continue his momentum following a recent TKO victory over Bogdan Guskov.