Alex Pereira is raising the stakes for his upcoming UFC 313 title fight against Magomed Ankalaev in Las Vegas. The light heavyweight champion has challenged Ankalaev and his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, to a significant $200,000 bet.
Looking to defend his light heavyweight title for the fourth time on March 8th at the T-Mobile Arena, Pereira took to social media on Sunday night to propose the wager to Ankalaev. He suggested a $200,000 bet on his victory, with the loser donating the sum to a charity.
In a video posted online, Pereira stated his intention: “I’m betting $200,000 to donate to children in need, children with cancer. Many people are in need of this help. Since Ali and Ankalaev seem so confident in their victory over me, I believe they should accept this challenge.”
Pereira encouraged fans to tag Ankalaev and Abdelaziz in the comments. He also mentioned that Ankalaev could choose a charity in his native Dagestan, and Pereira would donate directly to that organization if he were to lose at UFC 313.
“Let’s see if they actually accept this challenge because they are so sure of winning, they must bet,” Pereira asserted. “They have to.”
Having remained undefeated since moving up to light heavyweight in July 2023 and winning his last five fights, the Brazilian fighter clarified that offering the bet doesn’t mean he is guaranteed to win. Rather, it’s a way to challenge Ankalaev to back up his confidence with action.
“I am a very grounded person, mindful of my words,” Pereira explained. “In all my pre-fight interviews, I always express my will to win, my desire to win, but I acknowledge I might not. Even with this mindset, I am willing to bet $200,000. It’s up to Ankalaev and his manager now. If someone wants to sponsor Ankalaev for the $200,000 bet in his name, that’s fine with me. My $200,000 will come directly from my own funds.”
“Whether I win or lose, I don’t know. I deeply want to win. I might lose, but many people in need will benefit. Those with cancer will certainly receive significant help. So, I extend this challenge to Ankalaev and his manager Ali.”
Ankalaev responded to the bet on social media, stating: “SalamuAlaykum we will answer tomorrow, Ramadan Mubarak.”
UPDATE: Ankalaev and his team have since suggested collaborating post-fight to determine the most effective charitable use of their resources.
