The new generation of light heavyweight fighters has continued the division’s legacy from the time of Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier. The current 205-pound champion, Alex Pereira, has remained a dominant force in the division. He is known for his exceptional striking abilities, and no one at 205 pounds has defeated him yet.
Although he has defeated nearly every top fighter at 205, he has yet to face Magomed Ankalaev. Ankalaev is known for his wrestling prowess and has not lost in the UFC since 2018. In a recent interview, Magomed Ankalaev discussed his views on Pereira’s fighting style and speculated how a matchup between them would unfold inside the octagon.
He (Alex Pereira) definitely has a strong punch but overall I think his stand up game is ‘overrated.’ Watched his fight with Jamahal Hill, definitely have something to counter his game. My wrestling is there, but I m ready to fight him standing up and knock him out.
Magomed Ankalaev via MMA Junkie
Magomed Ankalaev made his UFC debut against Paul Craig in 2018 and lost. This also remains his only defeat in the UFC. Since then, Ankalaev has not lost in the light heavyweight division. His fight against Jan Blachowicz for the light heavyweight title ended in a draw. Shortly after, his UFC 294 bout against Johnny Walker became a No-contest due to the illegal grounded knee strike.
😳Magomed Ankalaev isn’t impressed with Alex Pereira’s striking.
“Definitely has a strong punch but I think generally his stand up game is overrated… My wrestling is there, but I’m ready to fight him standing up and knock him out.”
🎥 YT / @MMAJunkie ▫️ pic.twitter.com/tM4TyZrGWN
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) July 4, 2024
Ankalaev came close to winning the belt from the Polish fighter. Now, he looks primed to receive the next title shot at light heavyweight. He has opened as a betting favorite in a matchup against ‘Poatan.’ Even his fellow countrymen feel he will be a tough matchup for Alex Pereira.
Magomed Ankalaev has Islam Makhachev’s backing to beat Alex Pereira
Alex Pereira is climbing the pound-for-pound rankings with an 8-1 run in the UFC before completing his third year in the UFC. It has caught the attention of many fighters in the UFC. The top-ranked pound-for-pound fighter, Islam Makhachev, shared his views on Pereira.
Islam Makhachev picks Magomed Ankalaev to defeat Alex Pereira (via Instagram/Imago)In a recent interview with Daniel Cormier, Islam Makhachev dismissed DC’s claim that Pereira could become an Olympic wrestling champion in just two years if he fully dedicates himself. As such, Makhachev called for the UFC to book ‘Poatan’ against his countryman.
He cannot be a Olympic champion in just 2 years. You have never saw him go against proper wrestlers at UFC. Put him against Ankalaev and see what happens.
Islam Makhachev via Daniel Cormier YT Channel
Islam Makhachev laughs off claims about Alex Pereira becoming Olympic champion if he dedicated 2 years of pure wrestling
“Put him Ankalaev.” pic.twitter.com/6Qa3yLLuqs
— – (@AIKYGDLT) June 18, 2024
Makhachev’s strong opinion on Pereira and Ankalaev’s matchup adds to the build-up of their fight, making it more interesting. However, there’s no official announcement for the fight yet. Pereira has also shown interest in moving up to heavyweight. Time will tell what the UFC makes of this rivalry between a dominant champion and a fierce contender.
