Their first bout occurred in March, the place Ankalaev handed Pereira his first defeat within the 205-pound division through unanimous resolution, claiming the sunshine heavyweight title. Since then, the stress between the 2 has solely escalated, fueled by social media jabs and a latest face-to-face encounter on the UFC Efficiency Institute (PI) in Las Vegas.
Ankalaev posted a video clip to his Instagram Tales displaying a heated trade between the 2 fighters. The champion later defined, by an interpreter, that he approached Pereira after the Brazilian had accused him on social media of avoiding confrontation on the PI. Ankalaev denied any such conduct and confronted Pereira straight.
Pereira, recognized for his stoic demeanor and devastating putting, responded later in a media scrum, stating, “I don’t respect him anymore. He’s acting like a clown, chasing drama. I came here to train and fight, not to play games. He’s an a**hole.”
What began as a aggressive championship rivalry has now become a private grudge match. UFC President Dana White commented briefly on the encounter, saying, “These are two of the most dangerous men in the division. When there’s real heat, you get fireworks in the Octagon. UFC 320 just became unmissable.”
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With tempers flaring and egos bruised, UFC 320 is shaping as much as be a traditional. As October 4 approaches, followers are bracing for a warfare. Whether or not it’s settled in 5 rounds or much less, one factor is definite: this rivalry is private—and neither man plans to depart Las Vegas quietly.
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