Magomed Ankalaev Furious Because Alex Pereira Underestimated Him, Promising to Make ‘Poatan’ Pay Dearly with a Humiliating Loss at UFC 313

UFC 313 is shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated events of the year, with Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira set to clash in the main event. However, what was initially expected to be a fight of respect and high-level competition has now turned into a heated rivalry, as Ankalaev is reportedly furious over what he perceives as disrespect from Pereira. The Russian powerhouse has vowed to make ‘Poatan’ pay dearly for underestimating him and is determined to hand him a humiliating defeat in their light heavyweight showdown.

Magomed Ankalaev Feels Disrespected by Alex Pereira’s Attitude

In the lead-up to their fight, Alex Pereira has exuded confidence, dismissing concerns about Ankalaev’s wrestling-heavy style and focusing instead on his own striking prowess. While Pereira’s confidence is understandable—considering his devastating knockout power and history as a two-division champion—Ankalaev sees it as arrogance.

During a recent interview, Ankalaev expressed his frustration, saying, “Pereira thinks I’m just another opponent. He believes he can walk through me like he did to others. That will be his biggest mistake.” The Russian fighter believes that Pereira’s overconfidence will ultimately lead to his downfall inside the Octagon.

Ankalaev, a former sambo champion with an impressive record in the UFC, has long been viewed as one of the toughest and most well-rounded fighters in the light heavyweight division. His wrestling, striking, and overall fight IQ have allowed him to dominate many of his past opponents, yet Pereira’s camp has barely acknowledged the threat he poses.

Ankalaev’s Wrestling Advantage and Pereira’s Weaknesses

One of the biggest talking points leading into UFC 313 is whether Pereira can handle the wrestling and grappling of Ankalaev. The Brazilian striker has shown vulnerability against strong wrestlers, notably struggling against Jan Błachowicz in a closely contested fight. While Pereira ultimately secured the victory, his ability to defend takedowns and fight off his back remains questionable.

Ankalaev, on the other hand, is a different kind of challenge. The Dagestani-born fighter has superior grappling compared to Pereira’s previous opponents, and he has promised to exploit that weakness. “If Pereira thinks I’ll stand and trade with him for five rounds, he’s mistaken. I will make this fight a nightmare for him,” Ankalaev declared.

With his elite wrestling and sambo background, Ankalaev has the ability to dictate where the fight takes place. If he chooses to take the fight to the ground, Pereira could find himself in deep trouble early on. If Ankalaev can keep Pereira on his back and wear him down, the Brazilian’s power may be neutralized, making a finish much more likely for the Russian.

Alex Pereira’s Confidence or Overconfidence?

Despite the apparent stylistic disadvantage, Pereira remains confident that he can secure another knockout victory. The Brazilian’s striking credentials are undeniable—he has already defeated some of the biggest names in MMA, including Israel Adesanya and Jiri Prochazka. However, his dismissive attitude toward Ankalaev’s wrestling skills could prove costly.

Pereira recently posted footage of himself training in the snow with Glover Teixeira, showcasing his takedown defense drills. While the video entertained fans, Ankalaev was not impressed. “I hope he’s ready to wrestle for 25 minutes, because that’s exactly what’s going to happen,” Ankalaev responded.

Pereira’s striking ability has allowed him to dominate the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions, but against a disciplined and durable fighter like Ankalaev, his defensive grappling will be tested like never before. If he is unable to stop Ankalaev’s relentless pressure, his confidence could quickly turn into desperation.

Ankalaev’s Bold Prediction: A Humiliating Defeat for Pereira

With all the tension building ahead of UFC 313, Ankalaev has made a bold promise: not only will he win, but he will make Pereira’s defeat a humiliating one. The Russian fighter has vowed to dominate the fight in every aspect and leave no doubt as to who the superior martial artist is.

“This fight will not be close. I will take him down, control him, and make him regret underestimating me,” Ankalaev declared. He further added that he doesn’t just want a victory—he wants to make a statement. If he can dominate Pereira on the ground, exhaust him, and finish him decisively, it will send shockwaves through the division.

What’s at Stake for Both Fighters?

The stakes for UFC 313 could not be higher. If Pereira wins, he further cements his legacy as one of the most dangerous strikers in MMA and moves closer to a potential superfight with Jon Jones. However, if Ankalaev wins—especially in dominant fashion—it will mark a major shift in the division, possibly positioning him as the most feared fighter at 205 pounds.

A loss for Pereira would not only derail his momentum but could also raise serious questions about his ability to deal with well-rounded mixed martial artists. Meanwhile, a victory for Ankalaev would silence doubters and prove that he belongs at the top of the light heavyweight division.

Final Thoughts: A Must-Watch UFC 313 Main Event

As UFC 313 draws closer, the tension between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira continues to escalate. What started as a stylistic clash between an elite wrestler and a world-class striker has now turned into a personal battle fueled by disrespect, confidence, and bad blood.

Will Pereira’s knockout power be enough to keep Ankalaev at bay? Or will Ankalaev’s wrestling and grappling dominance expose Pereira’s weaknesses? One thing is for certain: UFC 313’s main event will be an unforgettable showdown.

For fight fans, this is more than just another championship bout—it’s a test of skill, strategy, and mental toughness. And if Ankalaev follows through on his promise, we could be witnessing the most humiliating loss of Alex Pereira’s career.