Pereira challenges Ankalaev with $200,000 bet ahead of UFC 313 showdown

Alex Pereira, UFC light heavyweight champion, has raised the stakes ahead of his highly anticipated fight against Magomed Ankalaev, throwing down a $200,000 challenge as the pair move closer to their title clash this weekend.

Pereira Confident in Victory

The reigning UFC light-heavyweight champion is particularly confident in his ability to defeat Ankalaev. In a chat with Bloody Elbow this week, Pereira even encouraged fans to bet against him to maximize profits for Stake, the betting platform where he serves as an ambassador.

With UFC 313 fast approaching, the stakes are already sky-high for both Pereira and Ankalaev. The Brazilian champion is on the verge of completely dismantling his division within just 11 months, while his challenger is finally getting the opportunity to realize a title dream years in the making.

Read Also: Pereira rules out trilogy fight with Adesanya

A $200,000 Charity Bet on the Line

Pereira, however, wants to add even more drama to the fight. He took to social media to offer Ankalaev a $200,000 wager—directed at both the challenger and his manager, Ali Abdelaziz. The bet would see the winner donate the sum to a charity of their choice.

“Since you are so confident you will win, $200,000 to the winner’s charity of choice,” Pereira tweeted.

“Win or lose, this will help those in need. It’s in your hands.”

As both fighters enter UFC 313 fight week, Pereira must make the light-heavyweight championship limit of 205 pounds—meaning he has to cut over 21 pounds in just four days.

Ankalaev’s Long Road to the Title

For Ankalaev, this fight is the culmination of years of hard work and persistence. The Dagestani has been a top contender at 205 pounds for years, suffering only one UFC loss—a freak submission in his debut against Paul Craig. Since then, he has been undefeated, overcoming top contenders, including Aleksandar Rakić, to earn his shot at the title.

Now, with Pereira’s confidence and an added financial challenge in play, UFC 313 promises to be an electrifying showdown.