A prominent voice in the mixed martial arts landscape has put forth a significant claim regarding the path to the UFC light heavyweight championship, suggesting that strategic maneuvering by the promotion played a key role in the ascent of one fighter while hindering another.
According to Ali Abdelaziz, the manager of current light heavyweight king Magomed Ankalaev, the impressive, rapid championship reign of former titleholder Alex Pereira was not merely a testament to “Poatan`s” striking prowess but was, in Abdelaziz`s words, deliberately “engineered” by the Ultimate Fighting Championship hierarchy.
Pereira`s trajectory through the UFC ranks was undeniably swift, culminating in him capturing titles in two different weight classes within a mere two years of joining the promotion. His tenure at light heavyweight saw him defeat significant opponents, including multiple victories over Jiri Prochazka, Jamahal Hill, and Khalil Rountree Jr.
However, Abdelaziz, speaking on the “Pound 4 Pound” podcast hosted by Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo, presented a counter-narrative. He contended that the UFC`s matchmakers deliberately “sandbagged” — a term implying intentional delay or undermining — Ankalaev`s progress, preventing him from receiving a title shot when it was rightfully due.
“Alex Pereira, it was engineered,” Abdelaziz stated plainly. He acknowledged the UFC`s skilled matchmakers but suggested their decisions are sometimes influenced by factors beyond pure fighter merit, perhaps related to fighting style or personality. He asserted that had Ankalaev been granted his championship opportunity two or three years prior, as he believes he deserved, Pereira`s time at the top of the light heavyweight division would never have materialized.
Abdelaziz went further, claiming that the UFC officials were actively hoping for Ankalaev to lose. He starkly contrasted the fighting styles and resumes, labeling some of Pereira`s opponents as “mediocre strikers” while highlighting Ankalaev`s comprehensive abilities across wrestling, grappling, and striking. According to the manager, a potential rematch between Ankalaev and Pereira would only reinforce his point, predicting it would be “worse for Alex.”
Naturally, the subject of these claims, Alex Pereira, holds a differing perspective. In a recent interview, Pereira maintained that he has faced opponents tougher than Magomed Ankalaev over the course of his career. He attributed the difficulty encountered in their specific bout (which Ankalaev ultimately won) to the unique “circumstances” on that particular day, rather than it being indicative of Ankalaev being his most formidable challenge to date.
Adding fuel to the fire of this managerial-versus-fighter debate, Pereira has publicly stated his expectation of a rematch against Ankalaev, with an eye towards it happening in October. This potential second meeting in the octagon carries added weight, not just as a title fight, but as a chance for both men to perhaps settle the narrative surrounding their respective paths to the top.
The world of professional fight promotion is rarely free from strategic considerations regarding marketability and fighter trajectories. Abdelaziz`s strong accusations introduce a layer of controversy, raising questions about how much of a champion`s rise is due to pure performance and how much might be influenced by the promotion`s behind-the-scenes decisions. While “engineering” championship runs remains a serious allegation, the differing viewpoints from Ankalaev`s camp and Pereira himself underscore the competitive and often political nature of reaching and holding a UFC title.
