“Training camps are over. I’m ready for war. Saturday night, I’m going to change this guy’s face,” Magomed Ankalaev declared on his X handle, issuing a chilling warning to Alex Pereira ahead of their UFC 313 showdown. The Dagestani powerhouse is the only Muslim fighter on the UFC roster competing during Ramadan, and the first one to fight for a title during Ramadan—but fasting hasn’t dampened his confidence. Ankalaev has made it clear: he’s hunting for a finish from the opening bell. Yet, while Ankalaev promises violence, Alex Pereira offers a different, almost inevitable outcome.
Taking to his Instagram handle, Alex Pereira uploaded a video where he placed a massive $200,000 bet on his own victory, with the proceeds going to a noble cause. “Saturday, March 8th, in Las Vegas. I’m betting $200,000 to donate to children in need—children with cancer. Many people need this help. Since Ali and Ankalaev seem to be 100 percent confident that they will beat me, I think they will accept this challenge,” said Alex Pereira.
Doubling down on his statement, ‘Poatan’ emphasized that he is always conscious of everything he says in every interview, and with everyone he’s fought, he approaches it with the will to win. He wants to win—but he admits he doesn’t know if he will achieve victory or not. Still, with that mindset, he’s ready to bet $200,000. The Brazilian holds a career record of 12 victories and just 2 defeats, having finished each of his last four opponents, Pereira is certain that his victory is guaranteed.
In the end, ‘Poatan’ urged Ankalaev to do the needful and follow his footsteps for a good cause, “The $200,000 I will give will be from my own pocket. I’m aware, and I want to do this. If I win, I do not know—but I truly want to win. And look, I can lose, but many people in need will win.”
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