Alex Pereira has been the unstoppable force in the UFC light heavyweight division for some time now. The fighter has dominated everyone who dared to challenge his position as the champion. Experts believe that top contender Magomed Ankalaev has the best opportunity to beat the Brazilian. However, there is a catch.Â
Alex Pereira has mostly fought strikers in his UFC career and hasn’t been tested against a top wrestler. Hailing from Dagestan, Russia, Ankalaev does have a background in wrestling, mixed with his stand-up abilities. However, according to UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier that won’t be enough to take down ‘Poatan.’Â
Ankalaev is not this high-level wrestler. He is the best wrestler in the light heavyweight division right now but he doesn’t have all those accolades….to be considered a great wrestler.Â
Daniel Cormier via his YouTube channelÂ
The UFC light heavyweight division has showcased some of the promotion’s most dominant wrestlers, including Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones. These fighters used their elite grappling skills to reign over the division, securing victories and cementing their legacies as UFC legends. However, for Alex Pereira, his striking was enough for his dominance.
Last year Pereira fought thrice and won all the fights via TKO/KO. While others failed in the early rounds, Khalil Rountree was able to survive to the fourth round, but that wasn’t enough. Other than his touch of death, Pereira also has incredible leg kicks and fighting IQ which makes him invincible.
UFC legend doesn’t see Magomed Ankalaev winning against Alex PereiraÂ
Magomed Ankalaev has consistently called out Alex Pereira, claiming the UFC has deliberately protected Pereira from facing him. Fans and analysts were left puzzled when Ankalaev was overlooked for a title opportunity, fueling speculation. Current developments regarding the fight have further reinforced the narrative that the promotion may be shielding Pereira.Â
Magomed Ankalaev might not be able to best Alex Pereira (via MMA Fighting)Ankalaev is currently on an 11-fight unbeaten streak and is eager to get his hands on the title. However, former UFC champion Michael Bisping doesn’t think that’s going to happen. According to the Brit, Ankalaev’s lack of intentions to wrestle with Pereira might cost him.
He can wrestle. But he says he’s not going to use it. If he was to use it, and really go out there with that game plan and commit to it, I could see Magomed Ankalaev being the champ, but he’s not going to do that. He’s going to go out there, he’s going to trade with him and then probably get knocked out.
Michael Bisping via TNT SportsÂ
In his last fight against Aleksandar Rakic, fans expected Ankalaev to put on a brutal showdown. However, the fight was rather underwhelming and raised doubts about his chances against the champion. All these questions would be answered if the UFC decides to make the fight that everyone wants to see.
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