The world of MMA is never short on drama, especially when it comes to fighters’ skills. UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev threw down the gauntlet when he questioned Alex Pereira‘s wrestling abilities. Pereira had a solid but humorous comeback for Makhachev.
Pereira is known for his devastating striking and didn’t take the bait lying down. The Brazilian fighter fired back with a mix of confidence and humor. This came after Daniel Cormier showed Pereira a video of Islam Makhachev‘s comments. Through his translator, Pereira made a bold claim about his learning curve.
It’s not my fault that some guys take longer to learn. Makhachev maybe took way longer to learn wrestling… you gotta accept that I’m different.
Alex Pereira via Daniel Cormier YT channel
Pereira seemed confident he could master wrestling skills in a one or two-year timeframe. He even got his black belt recently after the fight against Jamahal Hill, even though the win came via KO. Pereira was an elite-level kickboxer before transitioning to MMA. He learned the craft very quickly. So, improving his ground game in a short time seems believable.
Alex Pereira reacts to the clip of Islam Makhachev doubting his wrestling and saying “put him against Ankalaev”:
“It’s not my fault that some guys take longer to learn. Makhachev maybe took way longer to learn wrestling… you gotta accept that I’m different.”
🎥 YT / @dc_mma… pic.twitter.com/9yoTjQeZz3
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 26, 2024
However, Pereira has not yet been tested on the ground. Islam Makhachev backed Magomed Ankalaev to take down Alex Pereira if they fought. Ankalaev has a good wrestling background and experience. The duo will probably fight in the near future if everything is in order. Only then can Pereira showcase his improved grappling.
Alex Pereira wants to test his ground game against the Russian fighter
The UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira isn’t one to rest too much. The light heavyweight champion had earlier revealed that he would take some time off after UFC 303. However, he has set his eyes on the next challenge already.
Alex Pereira wants Magomed Ankalaev next (via DAZN/ MMA Mania)The Brazilian knockout artist has set his sights on Magomed Ankalaev. It seems Pereira wants to silence the doubters who question his ground game. Pereira’s mysterious ground game sticks out like a sore thumb. No one knows what level he is at this time. As such, Ankalaev seemed like a great wrestler to test his skills against.
Magomed Ankalaev is a guy I would like to test myself against. A lot of people talk about that matchup and say that he will submit me really quickly. I would like to shut a lot of those people up and show a lot of my ground game as well. It won’t be an easy fight but it’ll be a very interesting fight.
Alex Pereira via Stake
Pereira’s confidence is admirable. Ankalaev is known for his strong wrestling background. The Russian fighter has been patiently waiting for his title shot. He recently showcased his desire to face Pereira in Abu Dhabi. Maybe the duo will face each other there, with Pereira getting his test and Ankalaev getting his title shot.
