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UFC 310 Main Event in jeopardy

Posted on by Pranco
UFC 310 Main Event in jeopardy

The highly anticipated matchup between UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira and top contender Magomed Ankalaev is reportedly off the table for UFC 310. This news comes as a disappointment to many fans who have been eagerly awaiting a potential year-end clash between two of the division’s most prominent players. formidable fighters.

The speculation surrounding this fight started when welterweight champion Belal Muhammad had to withdraw from his scheduled title defense against Shavkat Rakhmonov due to a toe infection. As the UFC scrambled to find a suitable replacement for the main event, rumors quickly spread that Pereira could step in to save the card.

Adding fuel to the fire, Pereira himself appeared to tease the possibility of a quick turnaround by posting a phone emoji on social media shortly after Mohammed’s withdrawal was announced. This cryptic message led many to believe that the Brazilian champion was in talks with the UFC for a title defense on short notice.

However, according to reports from MMA Fighting, the Pereira vs. Ankalaev fight is not being discussed for the December 7 event. This revelation has fans and pundits alike wondering what the UFC’s plans are for the year-end pay-per-view card.

The situation becomes even more intriguing when we consider recent statements from Ankalaev’s camp. Sukrab Magomedov, Ankalaev’s coach, expressed skepticism about the possibility of the fight taking place at UFC 310. “This is all just talk. There has been no official offer,” Magomedov said, adding that although Ankalaev is ready to perform in December and has no visa problems, there are doubts about Pereira’s willingness to take the fight.

It’s worth noting that Pereira has had an exceptionally active 2024, saving multiple UFC cards with late fights. If he were to accept and win a fight against Ankalaev in December, it could potentially earn him Fighter of the Year honors just when many thought Ilia Topuria had it locked up.

For Ankalaev, this situation marks another setback in his quest for UFC gold. The Dagestani fighter has an impressive streak of eleven undefeated fights and is widely regarded as the deserving number one in the light heavyweight division. His recent win over Aleksandar Rakic ​​at UFC 308 seemed to solidify his position as next in line for a title shot.

As it stands, the main event of UFC 310 remains in flux. With Pereira vs. Ankalaev apparently off the table, the current top fight is a flyweight title fight between champion Alexandre Pantoja and challenger Kai Asakura. The UFC will likely be working overtime to secure a suitable main event that can carry the promotion’s final pay-per-view of the year.