Ankalaev: Pereira wasn't ready to fight at UFC 310

Magomed Ankalaev doesn't believe UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira was prepared to step up on short notice and fight him at UFC 310.

When Belal Muhammad withdrew from the Dec. 7 main event against Shavkat Rakhmonov last week, Ankalaev and Pereira both hinted that they were interested in saving the card. But Ankalaev claimed Sunday in a post on X that only he was ready to go.

Pereira has defended his title three times this year, knocking out Jamahal Hill, Jiri Prochazka, and Khalil Rountree Jr. His most recent outing against Rountree took place at UFC 307 in early October.

Pereira revealed over the weekend that his hand "still hurts" from punching Rountree in the fight.

Ankalaev, known for his wrestling game, seems to find it understandable that Pereira wasn't willing to fight him on short notice given the difficult stylistic matchup.

UFC CEO Dana White said Ankalaev was next in line for a title shot after the Dagestani's unanimous decision win over Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 308 on Oct. 26. Ankalaev, the division's No. 1-ranked contender, is riding a 13-fight unbeaten streak dating back to 2018.

Ankalaev said he's also been offered a fight with Pereira in February and March.