Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev, despite language barriers, communicated volumes during a charged faceoff following the UFC 313 pre-fight press conference on Thursday.
The two imposing light heavyweight contenders engaged in a prolonged and intense staredown after fielding questions on stage, building anticipation for their Saturday showdown.
While the buildup to the Pereira vs. Ankalaev fight was initially focused on competition, a degree of animosity has developed between the fighters as UFC 313 approaches.
Ankalaev raised concerns about Pereira’s demanding travel schedule, referencing his recent trip to Australia to support Sean Strickland just weeks before his own title defense. He also alluded to Pereira’s nightlife.
Pereira countered by mentioning Ankalaev’s fight falling during Ramadan, which required him to adjust his traditional Muslim fast to hydrate properly during Friday’s weight cut preparations.
All words will cease on Saturday as Pereira aims for his fourth consecutive light heavyweight title defense, and Ankalaev seeks to capture the UFC championship for the first time.
