Magomed Ankalaev will not be in action on the International Vechtweek, despite the UFC that offers him this place.
Ankalaev claimed that he was ready to continue from Alex Pereira after their light heavyweight TitleRematch was discussed for UFC 317.
Ariel Helwani confirmed that the champion spoke the truth, but the time frame did not work for 'Patan' who was incredibly active last year.
We now know that the Ilia Topuria vs Charles Oliveira will be for the empty lightweight title on 28 June, with the next few PPV head events that have already been locked up.
Ankalaev responded to all the fighting news by pitching a new location for his second meeting with 'Patan'.
I was offered to fight Alex International Fight Week if the man does not want, let's continue, I am ready for everyone. I dare you.
– Muhammad Big Ank Ankalaev (@ankalaevm) 11 May 2025
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Magomed Ankalaev calls on Alex Pereira for Abu Dhabi, where October is a probably time frame for the rematch
After the announcements of Dana White, we now know which matchups will head the next four PPV events of the MMA leader.
This means that even at the earliest date, we do not see Magomed Ankalaev vs Alex Pereira 2 until October.
UFC 317 in Las Vegas is followed by UFC 318 in New Orleans for the pension fight of Dustin Poirier, UFC 319 in Chicago, where Dricus Du Plessis is confronted with Khamzat Chimaev and UFC 320 in Guadalajara, Mexico.
In recent years, the PPV event of the UFC has seen the promotion to Abu Dhabi in October where the will of Islam Makhachev or Ilia Topuria vs Max Holloway Clash have viewed the bill last year.
October in Abu Dhabi is very logical for the light heavyweight title Rematch and it now seems that although there is no official confirmation that this is the plan, this is what Ankalaev is aimed.
He responded to all the fighting news by calling Pereira again.
“I hope that Chama will appear in Abu Dhabi, don't be afraid homie”
I hope Chama will appear in Abu Dhabi, don't be afraid homie
– Muhammad Big Ank Ankalaev (@ankalaevm) 13 May 2025
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The PPV calendar of the UFC for the rest of 2025 can absolutely be stacked
If UFC 321 takes place in Abu Dhabi, it probably seems that Magomed Ankalaev vs Alex Pereira will appear on the map.
You also have the prospect of Islam Makhachev that challenges Jack della Maddalena for the welterweight title on the same night after confirmation that this will be the next welterweight title fight.
Dana White even gave a positive update about Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall during his Instagram Live, and said to fans: “I just relax, I will announce that soon.”
The annual return of the promotion to Madison Square Garden in November would be a very suitable destination for the heavyweight title Unification, which just leaves December to close the year in style.