Magomed Ankalaev Shocks by Calling Alex Pereira a ‘Walking Corpse’: Champion Insulted Before the Fateful Fight!

The rivalry between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev has taken a new and dramatic turn as both fighters prepare for their highly anticipated clash at UFC 313. The light heavyweight championship bout, set for March 8, has already been filled with tension, psychological warfare, and bold declarations. However, Ankalaev’s recent statement, calling Pereira a ‘walking corpse’, has escalated the intensity of their feud to new heights. This fight promises to be one of the most thrilling battles in UFC history, with each fighter bringing unique skills and mindsets into the octagon.

A Feud Fueled by Mind Games and Intimidation

For months, Pereira and Ankalaev have been locked in a psychological war, each attempting to gain an edge over the other before even stepping into the cage. The Brazilian superstar, Alex Pereira, has already proven his striking dominance in the division with wins over top-tier fighters like Jamahal Hill, Jiri Prochazka, and Khalil Rountree Jr. However, Magomed Ankalaev, known for his well-rounded skill set and dominant wrestling, has vowed to neutralize Pereira’s knockout power.

As the fight draws near, Pereira shocked fans by shaving his head and posting an intimidating message on social media, stating that he is “ready to kill.” The ritual of shaving his head has been a signature move for Pereira, symbolizing his transformation into an unstoppable warrior. Despite this fearsome display, Ankalaev dismissed it outright, responding with an even bolder statement:

“Chama is a walking corpse. I will drown this man.”

This remark sent shockwaves through the MMA community, as Ankalaev openly ridiculed Pereira, suggesting that he is no match for the Russian fighter’s abilities. It also reinforced the belief that Ankalaev is supremely confident in his chances of victory, whether on the feet or on the ground.

Will Ankalaev Rely on Wrestling or Test His Stand-Up Against Pereira?

One of the biggest questions leading into UFC 313 is how Ankalaev plans to approach this fight. Many analysts and fans expect him to rely on his elite wrestling skills, which could pose a significant threat to Pereira’s striking-heavy game. However, Ankalaev has claimed that he won’t need wrestling to win:

“If I strike, he will have to stand and fight. If I want to wrestle, we will wrestle. This is 100% my victory.”

Despite Ankalaev’s bold claims, Pereira remains unconvinced, believing that the Russian fighter will inevitably turn to his grappling if things don’t go as planned. In a recent interview on UFC Countdown, Pereira addressed this directly:

“If things don’t go his way, he will try to take me down. That’s where I will surprise him.”

In preparation for this challenge, Pereira has been training extensively with former light heavyweight champion Glover Teixeira, a renowned expert in grappling. Footage of Pereira working on his takedown defense and ground game has surfaced, suggesting that he is not taking Ankalaev’s skills lightly. This could be a crucial factor in determining the outcome of the fight, as Pereira’s ability to defend against Ankalaev’s wrestling could dictate how the bout plays out.

The Battle Extends Beyond the Octagon: Pereira’s Charity Challenge

In addition to the intense pre-fight trash talk, Pereira has introduced an interesting twist to the rivalry. He has publicly challenged Ankalaev and his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, to a charity bet. According to Pereira, if he loses, he will donate 200,000 euros to charity. However, he expects Ankalaev to accept the same challenge:

“Since Ankalaev and Ali seem so confident that they will win, I think they should accept the challenge. If I lose, many people will benefit.”

This unexpected move from Pereira serves two purposes: it puts additional pressure on Ankalaev while also painting himself as a fighter willing to give back to the community. As of now, Ankalaev and his team have not officially responded, but they have hinted that an answer will come soon.

Ankalaev’s Plan to Neutralize Pereira’s Deadly Left Hook

One of the biggest weapons in Pereira’s arsenal is his devastating left hook, which has knocked out some of the toughest opponents in the division. However, Ankalaev insists that he has a solution for it, stating:

“He thinks we don’t understand, that we don’t see it. I am smart enough and experienced enough to beat him.”

Whether or not Ankalaev has truly prepared for Pereira’s signature strike remains to be seen, but it is clear that the Russian fighter is leaving nothing to chance. Many believe that if Pereira lands clean with his left hook, the fight could be over instantly. However, Ankalaev’s durability and defensive strategies could help him withstand Pereira’s power.

Who Will Reign Supreme at UFC 313?

With only a few days left until the fight, the anticipation is at an all-time high. Both fighters are entering this bout with something to prove:

• Pereira wants to solidify his reign as light heavyweight champion and prove that he can handle elite grapplers.

• Ankalaev is looking to capture UFC gold and cement himself as one of the most dominant fighters in the division.

The mental warfare between Pereira and Ankalaev has added another layer of excitement to this matchup. Pereira’s stone-cold demeanor and Ankalaev’s unwavering confidence have created an electric atmosphere that fans around the world are eager to witness.

When the cage door closes on March 8, all the talk, all the insults, and all the mind games will be put to the test. Will Pereira’s striking be too much for Ankalaev to handle? Or will Ankalaev’s well-rounded game prove to be the ultimate weapon?

One thing is certain: UFC 313 will deliver one of the most unforgettable fights of the year.