Sukhrab Magomedov, coach of second-ranked light heavyweight fighter Magomed Ankalaev, in an exclusive interview with Telecomasia.net, discussed the challenges in negotiations with UFC regarding a fight with champion Alex Pereira.
Sukhrab Magomedov exclusively for Telecom Asia Sport
They want to play by their rules, and we want to play by ours. I can't give a definite answer. They offer us venues for fights that we don't want to fight at, as well as the fight conditions. We have been working towards a title fight for a long time. We want to fight on our terms. Why do we always have to meet their needs and they’d never meet ours? Over the past years, we fought every opponent they offered. They do not want to listen to our wishes. Financial matters, training logistics. Coming all the way to Brazil is not that simple. We used to agree to all UFC's conditions, but now we are waiting for them to meet us halfway.
It's worth noting that Pereira previously mentioned that he sees Jiri Prochazka as his next opponent, and Ankalaev will have to wait. The Brazilian also mentioned being ready to compete this summer. Prochazka is the top-ranked light heavyweight, while Ankalaev is second. Moreover, the Czech held the champion title, and his last defeat was against Pereira.
