“I’ll Retire Him” — Ankalaev Sends Cold Warning to Pereira
The heat surrounding UFC 320 has just intensified as top contender Magomed Ankalaev has fired a chilling warning to reigning light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira. With the two set to clash in what promises to be one of the most pivotal fights of the year, Ankalaev has declared that not only will he take the belt — he will end Pereira’s career in the process.
Ankalaev’s Ice-Cold Message
Known for his calm but intimidating demeanor, Magomed Ankalaev rarely indulges in trash talk. But this time, the Dagestani fighter has decided to send a crystal-clear message to his Brazilian opponent.
“I’ll retire him. Pereira is dangerous, yes. But he is only dangerous to men who stand in front of him. He will not touch me. Once I put him on the ground, it’s over. He won’t fight again after this.”
This stark warning reflects Ankalaev’s supreme confidence in his grappling and ability to neutralize Pereira’s striking. His claim of retiring the Brazilian adds an extra edge to a fight already dripping with tension.
The Clash of Styles: Striker vs. Grappler
The matchup between Pereira and Ankalaev embodies one of MMA’s oldest dynamics: striker versus grappler.
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Alex Pereira (Striker): Known as Poatan, meaning “Stone Hands,” Pereira is a former Glory Kickboxing world champion and one of the most feared knockout artists in the UFC. His lightning-fast left hook has ended fights in spectacular fashion, and his transition from kickboxing to MMA has been nothing short of phenomenal. From conquering Israel Adesanya at middleweight to claiming the light heavyweight crown, Pereira has become synonymous with highlight-reel finishes.
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Magomed Ankalaev (Grappler/Wrestler): A master of Sambo, Ankalaev combines smothering wrestling, technical ground control, and disciplined striking to break opponents down systematically. He is unbeaten in his last eleven UFC fights and has long been tipped as a future champion. His ability to drag fights into deep waters and dominate positionally makes him the polar opposite of Pereira’s explosive knockout style.
This stylistic contrast makes their bout one of the most compelling of the year.
Why Ankalaev Thinks He Can Retire Pereira
For Ankalaev, the game plan seems straightforward: avoid Pereira’s power, close the distance, and implement his grappling-heavy strategy.
His confidence in “retiring” Pereira likely stems from three key factors:
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Pereira’s Vulnerability to Wrestlers: While Pereira has improved his takedown defense, he has historically struggled against high-level grapplers. Ankalaev believes he can expose that gap in Pereira’s game.
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Ankalaev’s Durability: Unlike many opponents who fold under Pereira’s pressure, Ankalaev has shown incredible composure and resilience. He trusts his chin and ability to survive early exchanges.
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The Wear and Tear on Pereira: Pereira’s rise has been meteoric but grueling. Moving between weight classes, engaging in wars against elite opponents, and sustaining damage along the way have taken a toll. Ankalaev sees himself as the man to deliver the final blow to Pereira’s career.
Pereira’s Explosive Response
While Ankalaev has been cold and calculating with his words, Alex Pereira has been fiery and direct in return. Just days earlier, Pereira vowed:
“Ankalaev won’t make it out of Round 2. He’s tough, but I’ve fought tougher. He will feel my power, and that will be the end of him.”
The Brazilian champion is unfazed by Ankalaev’s grappling threats, insisting that his striking will be too much for the Russian to handle. Training with elite grapplers to shore up his wrestling defense, Pereira appears determined to turn Ankalaev’s prediction on its head.
What’s at Stake at UFC 320
Beyond the belt, the stakes couldn’t be higher for both fighters:
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For Pereira: This fight could cement his legacy as one of the UFC’s most dominant knockout artists across two divisions. Another highlight finish would solidify his place among the sport’s greatest strikers.
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For Ankalaev: A win would not only crown him as champion but also validate years of being overlooked. His claim of “retiring” Pereira would mark a career-defining statement, placing him among the UFC’s most respected champions.
The Psychological Warfare
Trash talk isn’t typically Ankalaev’s weapon, but his vow to retire Pereira feels intentional. By planting the seed of doubt, he’s attempting to shift the psychological balance heading into fight week. For Pereira, whose confidence thrives on intimidation, Ankalaev’s calm refusal to be shaken may prove unsettling.
On the flip side, Pereira’s boldness and history of making good on knockout promises could force Ankalaev to feel the weight of expectation — and pressure can break even the strongest fighters.
The Fans’ Perspective
UFC fans are divided. Many see Pereira’s knockout power as too overwhelming, while others believe Ankalaev’s discipline and grappling will finally bring the Brazilian’s reign to an end. Social media has erupted with predictions, with some fans calling this fight the “unstoppable force vs. immovable object” matchup of 2025.
Conclusion
“I’ll retire him.” Those three words from Magomed Ankalaev have transformed UFC 320 into more than just a championship fight — it’s now a battle of legacies. Will Pereira’s stone hands crush yet another challenger before Round 2, or will Ankalaev’s smothering style and icy confidence prove too much for the Brazilian to handle?
