Magomed Ankalaev reacts to Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree fight announcement: “I don’t need nobody to feel bad for me” [Video]

Magomed Ankalaev doesn’t want fans feeling bad that he’s not fighting UFC light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira next.

The Russian hasn’t competed since a first-round knockout victory over Johnny Walker in January. That victory moved Magomed Ankalev to an impressive 18-1-1 record, and he hoped to fight Alex Pereira post-fight. However, ‘Poatan’ will instead face the rising striker Khalil Rountree next. Earlier today, Dana White made the news official on social media.

The Brazilian will headline UFC 307 in October in Salt Lake City, against ‘The War Horse’. While a good fight, the announcement largely came as a surprise to fans. Rountree has some impressive wins no doubt, but if a victory over Anthony Smith was what was needed to get a title shot, Magomed Ankalaev did that back in July 2022.

However, the light-heavyweight contender doesn’t want any sympathy. Taking to X earlier today, Magomed Ankalaev made a series of posts reacting to Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree. …