Top-ranked fighters Magomed Ankalaev and Tom Aspinall have both recently accused their divisional champions, Alex Pereira and Jon Jones, of ducking potential matchups. Ankalaev extended the accusation to Jones recently, questioning the UFC heavyweight champion’s willingness to face interim champion Aspinall.
With Jones set to defend his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 on Nov. 16, fans and fighters alike have speculated about his next move. Jones has expressed a preference for a fight with Pereira over Aspinall, sparking widespread debate about him sidestepping a potential matchup against a tougher, younger fighter.
Magomed Ankalaev, expected to be next in line for Pereira’s light heavyweight title, used social media to mock Jones’ selective approach. He posted a photoshopped image of Jones in duck-print shorts, taking a direct jab at the widely regarded greatest of all time in the organization.
Magomed Ankalaev continues to send shots at Jon Jones 🦆😳 pic.twitter.com/sXgmfqvDku
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) November 12, 2024
In the past, Pereira claimed that Magomed Ankalaev was too “boring” to deserve a UFC title shot. During an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Pereira shared his belief that the UFC considers Ankalaev’s style too dull to merit another title opportunity.
The Russian took on Jan Blachowicz for the vacant 205-pound title at UFC 282. However, the fight ended in a controversial split draw and the UFC went on to book a fight between Pereira and Jiri Prochazka for the vacant title instead at UFC 295.