The UFC 313 main event between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira was billed as a clash of two elite strikers. Pereira, a former two-division champion in kickboxing and renowned for his devastating knockout power, was expected to give Ankalaev a tough challenge. However, the Dagestani fighter had other plans.
In a masterclass performance, Ankalaev systematically dismantled Pereira’s vaunted striking arsenal, securing the light heavyweight championship via unanimous decision. This victory surprised many observers, including former two-division champion Daniel Cormier, who called it “revelatory.”
Cormier, who is known for his insightful analysis and commentary, couldn’t help but admit that Ankalaev’s victory was not just impressive, but also a bitter truth for Pereira. The Dagestani fighter accomplished what few thought was possible – defeating the Brazilian knockout juggernaut without succumbing to his power.
Ankalaev’s game plan was evident from the beginning. He used his superior wrestling skills to take Pereira down and dominate him on the ground. This not only neutralized Pereira’s striking but also exposed his weakness in grappling. The Dagestani fighter’s ability to control the fight on the ground was a testament to his well-rounded skillset.
Pereira, who is known for his aggressive and explosive style, couldn’t find an answer to Ankalaev’s calculated approach. He was constantly on the back foot, unable to unleash his striking with the same ferocity that he is known for. This was a clear indication that Ankalaev’s strategy had taken Pereira out of his comfort zone.
Cormier, who is a close friend and training partner of Ankalaev, had predicted before the fight that the Dagestani fighter would be able to neutralize Pereira’s striking and dominate him on the ground. However, even he was impressed by the execution of Ankalaev’s game plan.
“He’s not just as good as Alex Pereira, he’s better,” Cormier admitted in his post-fight analysis. This statement was not only a testament to Ankalaev’s skills but also highlighted the fact that Pereira’s weakness in grappling was exposed by the Dagestani fighter.
Ankalaev’s victory at UFC 313 was not just a win for himself, but also for the entire Dagestani fighting community. The small Russian region, which has produced some of the best MMA fighters in the world, has once again proven its dominance in the sport.
Ankalaev’s performance has also opened up new possibilities for him in the light heavyweight division. With this win, he has established himself as a top contender for the title and a potential threat to current champion Jan Blachowicz. A matchup between the two would be a highly anticipated fight among MMA fans.
As for Pereira, this loss will serve as a learning experience. He will need to work on his grappling skills and develop a more well-rounded game to compete at the highest level of MMA. However, his knockout power and striking prowess cannot be overlooked, and he will surely bounce back stronger from this defeat.
In conclusion, Magomed Ankalaev’s victory over Alex Pereira at UFC 313 was a masterclass performance that surprised many observers, including Daniel Cormier. The Dagestani fighter’s well-executed game plan and dominant performance exposed Pereira’s weakness in grappling and established Ankalaev as a top contender in the light heavyweight division. This win not only solidifies Ankalaev’s position in the UFC but also highlights the dominance of the Dagestani fighting community in the sport.