Fight week is underway as the UFC is on PPV this weekend from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira are set to rematch for the Light Heavyweight title. Today was media day, and we heard from the fighters ahead of the card.
When asked about the pre-fight trash talk's impact on building the fight, Ankalaev responded that he believes the increased animosity between the two fighters is likely to result in a better fight, and the fans should expect that.
Much has been said between the two leading up to this week, and it seems at least one side is prepared for it to translate to the cage.
Pereira was asked about the historical struggles of former champions in immediate rematches, and he responded by saying he simply believes he is different.
This will be the third rematch in Pereira's UFC career, having split the first two with a loss to Israel Adesanya and a victory over Jiri Prochazka.
When discussing the respect between himself and opponent Cory Sandhagen, Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili said this matchup doesn't need anything extra to sell it.
The two have shared nothing but respect, as well as some light-hearted social media videos, leading up to their much-anticipated Bantamweight title clash.
Sanhagen was asked about a quote from his opponent, Merab Dvalishvili, in which he stated that the fight would be ninety percent striking, despite having been a wrestler in the past.
He also stated that in this fight, he is more focused on what he is going to do rather than what his opponent will do.
Prochazka was asked what he thinks of his opponent, Khalil Rountree Jr., and he praised Rountree Jr.'s style while also making it clear that he has prepared for it.
Ahead of a matchup that could determine the next challenger for the belt, Prochazka seems as ready as ever.
When discussing how he hopes the fight goes, Rountree Jr. made it clear that he is prepared for anything, but isn't exactly hoping for a war.
Rountree Jr. has proven in the past that he is more than capable of putting on a violent battle, but he seems focused on a better performance.