Alex Pereira has already taken down some of the biggest names in the light heavyweight division. He secured three knockouts this year, including against Jamahal Hill, Jiri Prochazka, and Khalil Rountree. Now, only one top contender is left standing, the much more dangerous Magomed Ankalaev. The fighter has set his sights on the Brazilian, determined to dismantle him in a potential showdown.
Magomed Ankalaev has been gunning for the light heavyweight title shot for some time now. However, the Dagestani fighter had to settle with his latest fight against Aleksandar Rakic which he won via unanimous decision. Right after the win, the Dagestani called out Alex Pereira. In a recent post, Ankalaev made fun of ‘Poatan’ for getting slept by Israel Adesanya.
If this skinny guy [Adesanya] make you sleep, what do you think I can do to you?
Magomed Ankalaev via X
Throughout his short career in the UFC, Pereira has defeated five former UFC champions, mostly in a dominating fashion. However, the only fighter who was able to finish Pereira was Adesanya at UFC 287. However, since then, Izzy’s career has suffered a downfall, contrasting to Pereira’s incredible light heavyweight run.
Magomed Ankalaev posts the video of Alex Pereira getting knocked out by Israel Adesanya and sends him a message:
“[Alex] if this skinny guy [Adesanya] make you sleep, what do you think I can do to you?” 😳#UFC #MMApic.twitter.com/uK56QML3Yb
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 29, 2024
While Magomed Ankalaev has ten knockout finishes in his MMA career, indulging in long exchanges with Pereira is extremely dangerous. Recently, Khalil Rountree managed to do so until the fourth round when the Brazilian knocked him out. Looking at the current landscape, Pereira looks unbeatable; however, one middleweight fighter fancies his chances.
The only threat to Alex Pereira’s incredible dominance
Alex Pereira’s lack of wrestling has been a notable critique, as his kickboxing background means he hasn’t faced many elite wrestlers. While his striking is world-class, questions remain about his wrestling defense. His limited experience against high-level wrestlers in UFC leaves uncertainty about how he’d perform in extended grappling exchanges.
UFC experts like Islam Makhachev and Henry Cejudo have talked about ‘Poatan’ not being tested against top wrestlers. Magomed Ankalaev has a good ground game, but he doesn’t have any plans to use it. However, rising middleweight Khamzat Chimaev is quite confident about his chances but doesn’t want to discredit the possible consequences.
I know stylistically this is match for me, much easier than other guys. But in striking, I’m honest. I know that guy can knock me out…But I’m one of the best grapplers, he’s not that.
Khamzat Chimaev via Michael Bisping’s YouTube channel
Khamzat Chimaev recently shut down a lot of haters with his clinical performance against Robert Whittaker at UFC 308. The ‘Borz’ immediately shot for a takedown and submitted the Australian superstar in the first round with ease. Going forward, it will be interesting to see whether the Chechen fighter fancies a double champion status.
