The contrast is too great between the training processes of Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev

The contrast between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev’s training processes ahead of their highly anticipated UFC 313 light heavyweight title fight at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, March 8, could not be clearer. As former two-division UFC champion and commentator Daniel Cormier pointed out, Ankalaev seems to be taking the fight more seriously than Pereira, raising concerns about the Brazilian’s level of focus.

A Stark Contrast in Preparation

Since joining the UFC in 2021, Alex Pereira has made an explosive impact, capturing the UFC middleweight championship in just his fourth fight and later moving up to claim the UFC light heavyweight title. He has defended his belt three times, proving his dominance in multiple weight classes. However, facing Magomed Ankalaev may be his toughest test yet. Ankalaev has defeated top contenders such as Aleksandar Rakic, Johnny Walker, and Anthony Smith, showing his well-rounded skill set and physical endurance.

On the other hand, Ankalaev’s preparation appears far more focused and intense. As noted by Daniel Cormier on his podcast “Good Guy/Bad Guy,” the Dagestani fighter has already been in Las Vegas for weeks, fully immersed in training and adapting to the fight conditions. Meanwhile, Pereira has been training in Australia, where he has been spotted meeting celebrities like Drake, raising questions about his commitment.

Is Alex Pereira Underestimating Magomed Ankalaev?

Cormier, a respected figure in MMA, voiced concerns about Pereira’s approach to the fight:

“Ankalaev has been locked in. I saw him at UFC last week. He is completely focused and ready to win this fight against Alex Pereira.”

Pereira’s extensive travel and public appearances suggest that he might not be giving UFC 313 the level of attention it deserves. Cormier highlighted the impact of jet lag and travel fatigue:

“I just got back from Australia, and I was waking up at three in the morning. Pereira might have weeks to adjust, but even a couple of extra days dealing with time zone changes can affect his preparation.”

Additionally, Pereira’s training partners might not be fully equipped to help him prepare for a wrestling-heavy fighter like Ankalaev. Cormier questioned the absence of Glover Teixeira, a crucial figure in Pereira’s training camp:

“Glover should be training the most with Alex right now because Ankalaev is a wrestler. Pereira needs to be at home focusing, because this is the toughest title defense of his reign.”

The Challenge Ankalaev Presents

Unlike Pereira’s previous opponents, Magomed Ankalaev brings a diverse skill set that could trouble the champion. Ankalaev’s wrestling ability, striking power, and relentless pressure make him a well-rounded threat. Pereira’s striking has been his greatest asset, but his grappling and takedown defense remain areas of concern.

Ankalaev has a history of dominating opponents on the ground, controlling the pace, and draining their energy over multiple rounds. If Alex Pereira enters the octagon at anything less than 100%, he could find himself overwhelmed by Ankalaev’s wrestling and conditioning.

Historical Parallels in MMA

The situation Pereira finds himself in is not uncommon in MMA history. Champions who have underestimated their opponents due to a perceived skill gap or distractions have suffered shocking defeats. Fighters like Anderson Silva, Ronda Rousey, and Conor McGregor have all fallen victim to lapses in focus at crucial moments in their careers.

Silva’s loss to Chris Weidman in 2013 was attributed to overconfidence and showboating, which left him open to a knockout. Ronda Rousey’s defeat to Holly Holm in 2015 highlighted the consequences of inadequate preparation. Even Conor McGregor, who has been one of the sport’s most dominant figures, saw a decline after balancing his fighting career with other ventures.

The lesson for Pereira is clear: champions who allow distractions to interfere with their preparation risk losing everything in a single fight.

Pereira’s Strengths vs. Ankalaev’s Strengths

While Pereira is an elite striker with devastating knockout power, Ankalaev’s balanced skill set presents a significant challenge.

Alex Pereira’s Strengths:

• World-class kickboxing – His striking technique is among the best in the UFC.

• One-punch knockout power – He has ended fights with a single well-placed strike.

• Championship experience – He has won and defended belts at the highest level.

Magomed Ankalaev’s Strengths:

• Elite wrestling and grappling – He dominates opponents on the ground.

• Well-rounded striking – His boxing is technical and efficient.

• Cardio and endurance – He has the ability to push the pace for five rounds.

The key to victory for Pereira is to avoid being taken down. However, if Ankalaev successfully implements his wrestling game plan, he could neutralize Pereira’s striking and dominate the fight.

What Pereira Must Do to Win

If Pereira wants to successfully defend his belt, he must make immediate adjustments to his training and mindset:

1. Return to a Focused Training Camp – Cutting out distractions and focusing entirely on fight preparation is crucial.

2. Improve Takedown Defense – Working with elite wrestlers and grapplers to prepare for Ankalaev’s ground game is essential.

3. Adjust to the Fight Environment – Arriving in Las Vegas well in advance to acclimate to the time zone and conditions could make a significant difference.

4. Refine His Game Plan – Developing strategies to counter Ankalaev’s wrestling and finding ways to keep the fight standing will be key.

5. Avoid Unnecessary Risks – Pereira must respect Ankalaev’s power and avoid reckless exchanges that could lead to takedowns.

Conclusion

The difference in Alex Pereira’s training approach compared to Magomed Ankalaev’s dedication is concerning, and as Daniel Cormier pointed out, it could play a crucial role in the outcome of UFC 313. While Pereira has proven himself as a phenomenal striker and champion, his current level of focus has raised eyebrows in the MMA community.

If Pereira does not take Ankalaev as seriously as he should, his light heavyweight title reign could be in jeopardy. The world will find out on March 8 whether his natural talent is enough to overcome his apparent lack of preparation—or if Ankalaev will capitalize on Pereira’s distractions and claim UFC gold.

In the unforgiving world of MMA, even the most skilled fighters can fall if they lack the discipline and focus to prepare properly. Pereira still has time to adjust his approach, but if he doesn’t, UFC 313 could mark the end of his championship run.