Is Alex Pereira’s overconfidence a fatal mistake against Dagestan’s most ruthless wrestler, Magomed Ankalaev?
The UFC light heavyweight division is set for an explosive collision as Alex Pereira defends his championship against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313. The reigning champion, Pereira, is a knockout artist with a deadly left hook, while his challenger, Ankalaev, is a Dagestani wrestling powerhouse eager to claim UFC gold. With tensions boiling over and fight night fast approaching on March 8, 2025, the stakes have never been higher.
This bout is more than just a title defense—it’s a clash of styles, mindsets, and legacies. Will Pereira’s striking dominance keep him on the throne, or will Ankalaev’s relentless grappling prove to be the Brazilian’s undoing? Let’s break down everything you need to know about this highly anticipated UFC 313 main event.
The Rivalry Heats Up: Ankalaev’s Bold Threats vs. Pereira’s Ice-Cold Confidence
The tension between Pereira and Ankalaev has been intensifying for months. The Dagestani challenger has repeatedly accused Pereira of avoiding him, claiming the champion has been dodging the inevitable. After UFC 312, Ankalaev took to social media to send a chilling message:
“Brazil, sorry for what I will do to your boy.”
Ankalaev didn’t stop there. He went on to taunt Pereira with a series of tweets, one of which read:
“@AlexPereiraUFC keeps traveling and forgetting that he will be fighting for his life on March 8. He will never be the same again after this fight @danawhite, I swear.”
Pereira, however, remains unfazed by the mind games. In a recent interview, the former kickboxing world champion shrugged off Ankalaev’s threats:
“I’m training as I always do. Nothing changes except that he’s a southpaw.”
His response was classic Pereira—calm, collected, and deadly confident. Unlike many fighters who engage in heated trash talk, Pereira lets his devastating knockouts do the talking inside the octagon.
Is Pereira underestimating Ankalaev?
While most fighters disappear into intense training camps before a title defense, Pereira has been living his life as usual. Just weeks before UFC 313, he was seen:
- Cornering Sean Strickland at UFC 312
- Attending a Drake concert
- Making public appearances and traveling
This laid-back approach has raised questions among MMA fans and analysts. Is Pereira being overconfident? Or is he simply unbothered by the threat Ankalaev poses?
One thing is certain: Pereira is not afraid of a wrestling-heavy fight. Training under former UFC light heavyweight champion Glover Teixeira, he has worked extensively on his takedown defense and ground game. Pereira himself addressed the concerns:
“I also have a lot of wrestling experience. I am not afraid. I am ready.”
Tale of the Tape: Pereira vs. Ankalaev
This fight is a classic striker vs. grappler matchup, with both fighters bringing world-class skills to the table. Let’s break down their strengths and weaknesses.
Alex Pereira’s Strengths: The Striking Assassin
- Elite kickboxing pedigree: multiple-time Glory Kickboxing champion with precise, technical striking.
- One-punch knockout power: His left hook is one of the most feared weapons in MMA.
- Calculated aggression: Unlike reckless brawlers, he picks his shots with surgical precision.
- Mental toughness: Pereira doesn’t get rattled, even when under pressure.
Weakness: Takedown defense is improving but remains a concern against elite wrestlers.
Magomed Ankalaev’s Strengths: The Dagestani Wrestling Machine
- Dagestani wrestling pedigree: Follows the Khabib Nurmagomedov blueprint with relentless takedowns.
- Smothering top control: Once on the ground, he dominates with heavy pressure.
- Underrated striking: Has solid kicks and counterpunching ability.
- Superior cardio: can keep up a high pace for five rounds, unlike many power punchers.
Weakness: Striking is good, but not at Pereira’s level. He needs early takedowns to neutralize Pereira’s striking.
The Key to Victory: Can Pereira Stop the Takedowns?
The biggest question heading into UFC 313 is: Can Pereira keep the fight standing?
His only major test against a high-level grappler came against Jan Błachowicz. In that fight, Błachowicz secured multiple takedowns but struggled to keep Pereira down. The Brazilian survived, adapted, and won by decision.
Even Błachowicz weighed in on this matchup:
“Pereira is dangerous, but if Ankalaev can get him down early, it could be a long night for the champion.”
If Pereira’s wrestling defense has improved, he could force Ankalaev into a stand-up battle—a scenario that strongly favors the Brazilian.
What’s at stake for Pereira and Ankalaev?
For Pereira:
- A victory solidifies his legacy as a dominant two-division champion.
- Potential move to heavyweight—is he eyeing a shot at the UFC heavyweight belt?
- Silence critics who claim he is vulnerable to wrestlers.
For Ankalaev:
- A chance to finally claim UFC gold after his controversial draw against Błachowicz at UFC 282.
- Redemption for his frustrating journey through the division.
- Proving he is the best light heavyweight wrestler in the world.
Mental Warfare: Who Holds the Edge?
Pereira has a history of mentally breaking opponents. Fighters like Israel Adesanya, Sean Strickland, and Jiří Procházka have all struggled to get inside his head.
Ankalaev, on the other hand, has shown visible frustration when things don’t go his way. If Pereira can keep the fight standing and force Ankalaev to fight emotionally, it could spell disaster for the Dagestani contender.
Final Prediction: Who Will Reign Supreme?
This fight could go one of two ways:
- Ankalaev wrestles Pereira to the mat early, controls the fight, and wins by decision or submission.
- Pereira keeps the fight standing, finds his range, and delivers another brutal knockout.
If Ankalaev can neutralize Pereira’s striking, his wrestling could grind out a dominant victory. But if Pereira can avoid the takedown, the power in his hands can end the fight in an instant.
As UFC 313 approaches, the MMA world is buzzing with anticipation. Will Pereira cement himself as one of the greatest champions in UFC history? Or will Ankalaev’s Dagestani wrestling finally be the kryptonite that dethrones him?
One thing is certain—March 8 will be an unforgettable night in UFC history.
- UFC 313: Pereira vs. Ankalaev
- March 8, 2025—T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
- Watch Live on ESPN+ Pay-Per-View
Who do you think will win? Drop your predictions in the comments.
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