Magomed Ankalaev praises Carlos Ulberg, but says Alex Pereira is next

Carlos Ulberg’s UFC Fight Night 255 win wasn’t enough to get Magomed Ankalaev’s attention.

Ulberg (12-1 MMA, 8-1 UFC) made it eight-straight wins when he defeated former champion Jan Blachowicz (29-11-1 MMA, 12-8-1 UFC) in Saturday’s co-main event at The O2 in London. The City Kickboxing standout thinks he’s done enough for a title shot, but UFC light heavyweight champion Ankalaev thinks otherwise.

Ankalaev (21-1-1 MMA, 12-1-1 UFC) sees Alex Pereira (12-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) as most deserving after he dethroned him to become champion at UFC 313 earlier this month.

“Good win for Carlos but Alex is next. He deserve it more than anyone.”

Good win for Carlos but Alex is next. He deserve it more than anyone.

— Muhammad big ANK Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) March 22, 2025

Ulberg’s win over Blachowicz also left Ankalaev with an opinion on his division.

“Alex different level than all these guys.”

Alex different level than all these guys

— Muhammad big ANK Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) March 22, 2025

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 255.