Magomed Ankalaev shuts down Alex Pereira $200k bet offer ahead of UFC 313

UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira will defend his title against Magomed Ankalaev in the UFC 313 main event on Saturday, a fight that has been months in the making.

Beyond the championship stakes, the bout has gained further intrigue with a proposed charity bet from Pereira that Ankalaev has declined due to religious reasons.

Ankalaev secured his title shot with a 13-fight unbeaten streak, including recent wins over Johnny Walker and Aleksandar Rakić. Pereira, meanwhile, has enjoyed a dominant 2024 campaign, making three successful title defences and strengthening his case as one of the sport’s top pound-for-pound fighters.

The rivalry between Pereira and Ankalaev has built over time, with both fighters engaging in pre-fight banter on social media. Pereira took the animosity a step further by proposing a $200,000 charity bet, challenging Ankalaev to pledge the sum to the winner’s charity of choice.

“Since you are so confident you will win, $200,000 to the winner’s charity of choice,” Pereira wrote on X. “Win or lose, this will help those in need. It’s in your hands, [Magomed].”

Ankalaev swiftly declined, citing religious beliefs and his own existing charity contributions.

The back-and-forth adds further intrigue to what is already a highly anticipated bout. Pereira and Ankalaev are set to meet at the UFC 313 pre-fight press conference on Thursday, where tensions could escalate ahead of their showdown in Las Vegas.