Ankalaev criticizes Alex Pereira: “He is only good at stand-up fighting, but this is MMA, not kickboxing!”

The UFC world has been set ablaze by Magomed Ankalaev’s latest comments about Alex Pereira ahead of their highly anticipated fight at UFC 313. Ankalaev, known for his elite grappling and well-rounded MMA skills, did not hold back when he claimed that Pereira is only effective in stand-up fighting, dismissing his abilities in other aspects of mixed martial arts (MMA).

The Heated Rivalry Between Ankalaev and Pereira

The Russian fighter took a jab at Pereira’s background in kickboxing, emphasizing that the sport they are competing in is far more complex than just striking. While Pereira has proven himself to be one of the most devastating strikers in the UFC, Ankalaev insists that his overall skill set is not well-rounded enough to handle elite grapplers like himself.

Pereira’s Kickboxing Pedigree and Success in the UFC

Pereira, a former Glory Kickboxing champion, has made an impressive transition to MMA, securing victories over some of the biggest names in the sport, including Israel Adesanya. His ability to knock out opponents with precision and raw power has made him a fan favorite and one of the most feared strikers in the UFC.

However, critics like Ankalaev argue that Pereira’s skill set is too one-dimensional. While his striking has led him to championship gold, many believe that his lack of elite-level grappling and wrestling could be exposed by a more complete fighter like Ankalaev.

Ankalaev’s words reflect a sentiment shared by some in the MMA community who believe that strikers transitioning from kickboxing to MMA often struggle when faced with superior wrestlers and submission specialists.

Ankalaev’s Strengths: Wrestling and Ground Control

Ankalaev, a dominant Dagestani fighter, is well-versed in wrestling, sambo, and grappling, which have traditionally been the kryptonite for pure strikers. His ability to control opponents on the ground and wear them down with relentless pressure gives him a strong advantage over fighters like Pereira, who have limited experience in grappling exchanges.

The Russian powerhouse believes that once he takes the fight to the ground, Pereira’s striking prowess will be neutralized. Ankalaev’s confidence in his wrestling skills makes him a dangerous opponent, and many analysts believe that if he can execute his game plan effectively, Pereira could be in for a long night.

Pereira’s Response to Ankalaev’s Comments

Despite Ankalaev’s criticism, Pereira remains unfazed. The Brazilian champion has always been confident in his abilities and has silenced doubters before. He has also shown improvements in his takedown defense and grappling, especially since moving to Glover Teixeira’s camp, where he has worked extensively on his ground game.

Pereira responded to Ankalaev’s remarks with his usual calm demeanor, stating:

“Everyone has their own opinions. I respect every fighter, but I also know what I am capable of. I have been working on all aspects of my game, and I am ready for anything.”

While Ankalaev may believe Pereira is just a striker, the Brazilian has proven time and again that he has the heart of a champion and the ability to adapt when needed.

UFC 313: A Fight of Contrasting Styles

The fight between Pereira and Ankalaev is set to be one of the most exciting matchups of the year, primarily because of the clash of styles. Striker vs. Grappler matchups have always intrigued MMA fans, and this fight will be no exception.

• Pereira’s Path to Victory: To win, Pereira will need to keep the fight standing at all costs. His best chance of victory is to utilize his exceptional striking, maintain distance, and capitalize on any openings to land his signature knockout blows.

• Ankalaev’s Path to Victory: Ankalaev, on the other hand, will look to take Pereira down and impose his will on the ground. If he can secure takedowns and control the fight from top position, he could dominate and possibly even secure a submission victory.

Both fighters have a lot at stake in this contest, as a win could put them in a prime position for a title shot in the light heavyweight division.

What This Fight Means for the UFC Light Heavyweight Division

The UFC’s light heavyweight division has been one of the most exciting and unpredictable divisions in recent years. With fighters like Jamahal Hill, Jiri Prochazka, and Jan Blachowicz in the mix, every fight has serious title implications.

If Pereira secures a dominant victory over Ankalaev, he could solidify himself as one of the most dangerous and well-rounded fighters in the division, proving that he is more than just a striker. On the other hand, if Ankalaev wins, it would showcase the continued dominance of grapplers in MMA and reinforce the importance of a complete skill set.

Fans React to Ankalaev’s Comments

As expected, Ankalaev’s comments have sparked a heated debate among MMA fans. Some agree with his assessment, arguing that Pereira’s skill set is limited to striking and that he has not faced a dominant wrestler yet. Others believe that Pereira’s power and precision striking are enough to neutralize any grappler, as he has shown incredible timing and knockout ability against top-tier opponents.

Some social media reactions include:

• “Ankalaev is right. Pereira has been lucky to avoid top-tier wrestlers so far.”

• “People said the same thing about Adesanya, and look where that got him. Pereira has elite takedown defense now.”

• “This is MMA, not a wrestling match. Ankalaev better be ready for those Pereira hands!”

With both fan bases rallying behind their favorite fighters, the tension leading up to UFC 313 continues to build.

Final Thoughts: A Battle for Respect and Supremacy

As the fight approaches, one thing is certain: both fighters have something to prove. Pereira wants to show that he is more than just a striker, while Ankalaev wants to expose any weaknesses in Pereira’s game.

Ankalaev’s comments have added more fuel to an already intense fight, making UFC 313 one of the most highly anticipated events of the year. Will Pereira silence the critics with another spectacular knockout, or will Ankalaev prove that wrestling is still the most dominant skill in MMA? Fans will have to wait and see.

No matter the outcome, this fight is bound to be explosive, and MMA enthusiasts around the world will be watching closely. Brace yourselves for a war in the octagon!