Magomed Ankalaev refuses to just accept the notion UFC champion Alex Pereira has cleaned out the sunshine heavyweight division.
Pereira (11-2 MMA, 8-1 UFC) registered his second consecutive title protection this previous Saturday with a second-round TKO of Jiri Prochazka within the UFC 303 major occasion. Afterward, there’s been dialogue about “Poatan” shifting as much as the heavyweight division to pursue a historic third divisional title beneath the UFC banner, however Ankalaev (19-1-1 MMA, 10-1-1 UFC) isn’t having it.
With a 12-fight unbeaten streak at 205 kilos, Ankalaev, No. 3 within the newest USA TODAY Sports activities/MMA Junkie gentle heavyweight rankings, is the one highly-ranked fighter left within the weight class who No. 1 Pereira hasn’t beat.
“It’s been an excellent run to date in UFC, 12 fights, and clearly Alex Pereira received up there – he had two, three fights (within the division) and he skyrocketed,” Ankalaev advised MMA Junkie by means of an interpreter on Wednesday. “Now he holds the title and now I really feel I deserve with all my previous credentials to get a title shot. I’m undoubtedly trying ahead to this chance now.
“I don’t know why persons are saying he’s going to maneuver as much as the precise heavyweight division. I don’t see that. As a man who has no wrestling I feel it’s going to be actually exhausting for him. Possibly only one combat. However I feel as soon as he got here as much as gentle heavyweight, he went by means of the division, however I’m nonetheless there. He didn’t combat me. If you wish to be the champion of the division I feel he undoubtedly has to face me first. Then perhaps he can take into account different strikes.”
On paper, Ankalaev, 32, is arguably the worst matchup within the division for Pereira, 36. The Brazilian is a adorned and harmful striker with a perceived weak point on the bottom, whereas Ankalaev has confirmed to be extremely competent each on the ft and the bottom.
With a lot consideration paid to Pereira’s latest success, pitting him towards Ankalaev is a dangerous little bit of matchmaking, particularly if the present champion had been to be uncovered on the bottom.
Nonetheless, Ankalaev’s social media posts within the aftermath of UFC 303 have explicitly said he thinks he would win a striking-only affair. He stood behind that notion, although admitted he’s additionally conscious his benefit in grappling conditions could be vital.
“With Alex you simply have to look at a few his previous fights: With (Jan) Blachowicz, his wrestling was on the extent and Alex didn’t have a lot to supply. Similar with (Israel) Adesanya. They’re each strikers, however Adesanya was in a position to present him some wrestling,” ankalaev stated. “I feel he is a good striker, however he’s the sort of man that at all times strikes ahead, and that’s typically the place he would possibly make errors, the place I’d catch him. There may be technique we’ve if he’s going to be doing putting. But in addition, if we add wrestling right here, I feel he doesn’t stand an opportunity and I’ve a couple of potential choices find out how to end him.
“He undoubtedly has a robust punch, however general his standup is overrated. Watch his combat with Jamahal Hill. He had one thing to supply to counter him. Similar within the combat with Prochazka. You may see he’s additionally shifting ahead with the identical model. He was fortunate he didn’t face severe opposition. Wrestling is there, however I’m able to combat with him standing up, to check him out.”
Ankalaev stated he could be prepared to just accept a title shot with Pereira at any level. He rejected the rumor unfold by former champ Hill that he’s unable to competed in the USA as a consequence of visa points, however stated he his ideally suited state of affairs could be to e book it for UFC 308 on Oct. 26 in Abu Dhabi.
“As of now we don’t have any sure dates set,” Ankalaev stated. “I shouldn’t have any issues with visa proper now. I’ve a sound visa, so if it’s going to be (within the U.S.) that’s one possibility. I’d adore it to be in Abu Dhabi, that’s a greater place for me.”
UFC CEO Dana White was open to the thought of Pereira vs. Ankalaev when proposed with the matchup on the UFC 303 post-fight information convention. Pereira additionally stated he’ll combat “whoever” the UFC needs him to compete towards subsequent.
“ANYBODY”
Champ Alex Pereira will not shrink back from Magomed Ankalaev – or anybody else – after #UFC303. pic.twitter.com/rT7x9XQgSq
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) June 30, 2024
Ankalaev is optimistic he’ll get the decision earlier than later, and when he does, he can be ready to maximise his second.
“I feel I’m going to be the following one for the title shot as a result of should you have a look at the highest 5, everybody had a loss not too long ago, and simply logically I’m going to be stepping up and having this title combat subsequent,” Ankalaev stated. “On the subject of gentle heavyweight, I put plenty of exhausting work right here. I’ve a stellar report. He moved as much as our division. He received fortunate. He had an excellent run, however it’s simply honest that he has to face me.
“Now we have to settle this with him. It’s going to be an incredible combat. We each have our personalities and I feel folks ought to anticipate fireworks in that one.”
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