Magomed Ankalaev Reveals Strategy to Expose Alex Pereira’s Overrated Attacking Techniques

UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira remains a force to be reckoned with after he dispelled all doubts by defeating opponent Jiri Prochazka in two at UFC 303 to retain his title. However, the Brazilian is yet to face #2 ranked contender Magomed Ankalaev, who claims to have found ‘Poatan’s’ vulnerability and a way to neutralize his ‘overrated’ punching.

Speaking to MMA Junkie, the Russian mentioned a number of options to finish the champion, with wrestling being one of them.

But what surprised the fans was when Ankalaev said that Pereira’s attacking performance was over the top and that he could even catch him doing a standing game.

Ankalaev thinks Pereira is a great striker, but he moves too much forward and can make mistakes. I think the Russian can catch up with him.

“We have a strategy when we hit, but if we add wrestling to this, I don’t think he has a chance. I have a couple of potential options to finish him off.”

After analyzing the former Glory champion’s match against Jamahal Hill and ‘The Czech Samurai’, Magomedov is confident he has what it takes to take on the dour killer.

After the Brazilian’s victory at UFC 303, the Russian tweeted that he would knock out the champion without using his wrestling skills.

He may have a point, but considering that only Israel Adesanya has managed to catch and knock out the Brazilian powerhouse, it’s easier said than done.

But Ankalaev believes Pereira’s goals are causing too much fuss.

“I think his stand-up is generally overrated… He’s lucky he hasn’t had any serious opponents. Wrestling is there, but I’m ready to fight him and test him.”

During the same interview, the Russian also denied a rumor spread by former champion Hill that he would not be able to compete in the United States due to visa restrictions.

The Russian said the ideal situation would be to face Pereira in Abu Dhabi and that fans can certainly expect sparks to fly.

“I’ll tell you what I want, what I really, really want”

Yes, the Spice Girls said it first. But now Magomed Ankalaev is echoing those sentiments, as he really, really wants the light heavyweight title.

UFC LHW champion Pereira has fought the division’s top contenders, except for the ice-cold Russian.

Meanwhile, the Dagestanis have a record of 19-1-1 and have won over Johnny Walker, Anthony Smith, Thiago Santos and Volkan Oezdemir.

However, he failed to beat former champion Jan Blachowicz and has not yet fought top fighters like Prochazka or Hill.

Despite all this, Ankalaev is optimistic and expects to receive a call from Uncle Dana soon.

The wrestler spoke of his hard work and dedication, that he had an excellent record and that ‘Stone Hands’ had moved up a division and that he had been lucky to have had a good run.

“He’s had a good run, but it’s only fair that he’s going to face me. We’ve got to work this out with him. It’s going to be a great fight. We both have our own personalities and I think people can expect fireworks in that match.”

Meanwhile, the champion has the same answer every time a fight is presented to him: “Okay!”