Islam Makhachev: Magomed Ankalaev ‘Deserves’ a Trilogy Fight with Alex Pereira

It feels like ages ago that Alex “Poatan” Pereira knocked out Magomed Ankalaev in less time than it takes to make popcorn, but the chatter just won’t die down. For most, it was another highlight for Pereira’s already terrifying reel. But for those who have watched Ankalaev’s methodical climb to the top, the whole thing felt… off. A guy tipped to be the next dominant king at light heavyweight doesn’t just fold like a cheap suit in 90 seconds. Something was wrong before the first bell even rang.

The conversation has now shifted from “Is Pereira an unstoppable golem?” to “Does Ankalaev deserve another shot?” The cries for a rematch are getting louder, and now a very influential voice has joined the chorus. Islam Makhachev, the pound-for-pound king himself, says his countryman was far from 100% and that, on a good day, Ankalaev is the superior fighter.

Makhachev Backs His Countryman

When asked about the controversial fight, Islam Makhachev didn’t mince words. He wasn’t just speculating; he was relaying what he’d heard from the inside.

“Everybody told me Ankalaev wasn’t training the last three months,” Makhachev stated bluntly. “He had a rib injury. When you don’t have sparring three times a week, it’s hard to fight.”

According to Makhachev, Ankalaev‘s decision to fight hurt wasn’t about ego. It was about saving the show. In a world where main events fall apart if someone sneezes too hard, Ankalaev chose to gut it out rather than derail a massive UFC card. A noble, if ultimately foolish, decision.

“He just didn’t want to pull out,” Makhachev told Adin Ross. “He wanted to save the main event.”

The Dagestani champion gave Pereira his due but was firm on who he thinks has the better overall skillset. “He’s good, Pereira,” Makhachev admitted. “But I believe Ankalaev has more skills.” For Islam, flashy knockouts are great for the casuals, but Ankalaev’s technical foundation, control, and well-rounded game make him the more complete martial artist when he’s healthy. It seems Makhachev believes they “deserve to fight one more time.”

Of course, Pereira heard the injury narrative and had a typically blunt “Poatan” response. Speaking on Connect Cast, he basically laughed it off as a weak excuse. “I don’t know what he had,” Pereira said. “If you see my injuries today, fighting him today, he would feel like s—. He would leave this organization. He would quit, man.” It wasn’t just trash talk; it was a cold reminder that every fighter steps into that cage banged up. Champions are just better at dealing with it.

Fedor Emelianenko Also Weighs In

When a legend like Fedor Emelianenko speaks, you listen. His voice carries the weight of a man who has seen it all in MMA—the glory, the pain, and the long road back. And when he looks at Magomed Ankalaev, he sees a familiar quiet strength.

‘The Last Emperor’ views the loss to Pereira not as an ending, but as a harsh lesson. A necessary storm. “I know Magomed personally,” Fedor explained with the calm demeanor of a mentor. “Life goes on, no worries. Everything is still ahead of him.” This wasn’t some generic pep talk; it was a statement of belief from one of the greatest to ever do it.

Fedor still sees Ankalaev as the rightful heir to the light heavyweight throne, a warrior who stumbled but is far from out. He insists the path to the title is still there for the taking. “He just needs to make the right conclusions,” Emelianenko said. “Now, it’s going to be harder for him to be champion again… but he can do it.”

That last part resonates because it comes from a man who has walked that same brutal path. Fedor understands that it’s resilience, not just raw talent, that forges a true champion. He believes Ankalaev has that rare blend of humility and grit needed to reclaim what he lost in those devastating 80 seconds.

The debate rages on, but with heavyweights like Islam Makhachev and Fedor Emelianenko in his corner, the call for an Ankalaev-Pereira trilogy is no longer just fan chatter. It’s a legitimate question of unfinished business.