Magomed Ankalaev Quietly Flexes on UFC Fighters Who Picked Alex Pereira to Beat Him

Newly crowned Magomed Ankalaev isn't one to talk much, but when he does, he makes it count. Coming out of UFC 313, he sent a subtle yet clear message to those who doubted him.

Ankalaev captured the light heavyweight title with a dominant decision victory over Alex Pereira at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Many expected the Dagestani wrestler to rely on his grappling, but he shocked the MMA world by largely out-striking Pereira over five rounds.

Leading up to UFC 313, a long list of fighters and analysts favored Pereira to retain his belt. Among them were big names like Israel Adesanya, Kamaru Usman, Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, Robert Whittaker, Michael Bisping, and Henry Cejudo. After proving them wrong, Ankalaev took to social media to share a video tagging those who doubted him, accompanied by a simple message: "Sorry guys I disappointed you 😊."

Ankalaev's run at 205 pounds has been impressive. Since his UFC debut loss in 2018, he has gone unbeaten in 14 fights, with his only blemishes being a draw against Jan Blachowicz and a no-contest against Johnny Walker.

With Dana White suggesting a rematch with Pereira is likely, Ankalaev might soon have another chance to silence his critics. For now, though, he’s enjoying his well-earned moment at the top.