Magomed Ankalaev admits to dealing with health issues in Alex Pereira rematch

Magomed Ankalaev has acknowledged that he entered his UFC 320 rematch against Alex Pereira in October while dealing with unspecified health issues, a decision he now regrets. The Russian light heavyweight champion had defeated Pereira decisively at UFC 313 in March to claim the 205-pound title, but struggled to retain it when they met again just months later. Pereira delivered a devastating knockout in 80 seconds to reclaim his belt.

Ankalaev's team, including manager Ali Abdelaziz, had advised him to withdraw from the rematch and allow the UFC to reschedule the bout. Despite their counsel, Ankalaev chose to proceed with the fight, believing he was healthy enough to compete. "I had some specific health issues at the time, and I was advised by many not to even go out, to pull out of the fight," Ankalaev told MMA Junkie. "I decided that I was well enough to go on; I decided not to listen to anybody. I made a mistake, and sometimes you have to pay for your mistake."

Now the 20-2 fighter is looking to rebuild his title credentials. Ankalaev was set to face Khalil Rountree at UFC Abu Dhabi on July 25, but Rountree withdrew due to injury and was replaced by Bogdan Guskov (18-3), who accepted the fight on just 14 days' notice. Ankalaev views this return to action as his path back toward another title shot. "If we have to clean out the division once again, then we'll do that," he said, signaling his determination to work through the light heavyweight rankings on his way back to gold.