Ankalaev's manager argues that the Russian should not have fought at UFC 320: 'Things happened'

M. Ankalaev was defeated by Alex Poatán No. UFC 320. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

Defeated along with Magomed Ankalayev No. UFC 320Ali Abdelaziz became the target of provocations from... Alex Poatán after losing the title in Las Vegas (USA). In his first statement after the incident, the veteran congratulated the Brazilian team for the victory, but considered that there were issues that hindered his fighter, even declaring that he did not support the former champion's participation in the event that took place on October 4th.

In less than two minutes, Ankalaev ended up being knocked out by the then title challenger and wasted the opportunity to make his first title defense in the organization.

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Ankalaev breaks his silence and apologizes after suffering a tough loss to Poatan at UFC 320.

"A lot of things happened to Ankalaev in his camp—but it's up to him to talk about it, not me. And if I need to talk, I will. If it were up to me, he (Ankalaev) might not even have fought because of certain situations. But he's a grown man, he makes his own decisions, and he lives by his actions. Congratulations to Alex and his team," Abdelaziz declared on his official account. Instagram.

Magomed Ankalayev alongside his manager Ali Abdelaziz after UFC 313. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

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Despite Ali's remarks, Ankalaev avoided mentioning any unforeseen circumstances that might have hampered his performance against the Brazilian. When commenting on the defeat, the Russian simply used his faith to find strength and understanding of what had happened and did not provoke Poatan.

Read the full statement from Ankalaev's manager

“On Saturday night, Magomed Ankalayev faced Alex Pereira in the rematch—and Alex Pereira won. Congratulations to him and his team. I know his coaches and managers, and I always show them respect. I don't know Alex personally. But I'm on Team Magomed Ankalayev. Anything I can do to help you, I will do. As long as I don't insult anyone's family, religion, or nation.

Everything Ankalaev said on social media, he himself approved. And if I helped him with anything, it was with his consent. But at the end of the day, we're in the fighting business. As long as no one speaks ill of you, your family, or your nation, everything is fine.

 Whether I play sports or not is irrelevant. But for the record, I have two black belts, in Judo and Jiu-Jitsu, under Master Renzo Gracie. I also compete in Judo and MMA.

But really, this isn't about me and Alex. It's about Magomed Ankalayev and Alex Pereira.

Alex was the better man on Saturday night. And we accept our defeats like men. We move on. I have no problem with Alex. I respect everything he's accomplished.

A lot happened to Ankalaev in his camp—but it's up to him to talk about it, not me. And if I need to talk, I will. If it were up to me, he (Ankalaev) might not even have fought because of certain situations. But he's a grown man, he makes his own decisions, and he lives by his actions.

Congratulations to Alex and his team.

And to all the fans who keep complaining: every time someone from the Caucasus, the Middle East, Dagestan, or Chechnya wins a UFC belt, many go crazy. You win some, you lose some. It's part of the game.

Alhamdulillah for everything”

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