Alex Pereira greatly impressed the fighting community as he took down Jiri Prochazka for the second time at UFC 303. Without a doubt, the Czech Samurai is one of the toughest fighters in the light heavyweight realm. Despite Prochazka’s strength, it was the man with the hands of stone who emerged victorious. Pereira’s skillsets have not only garnered attention from the entire MMA world but also propelled the Brazilian to the second spot in the pound-for-pound rankings, putting Jon Jones at number #3. However, there was one fighter that UFC fans and professionals wanted Pereira to prove himself against. 

Magomed Ankalaev is the man who is rumored to be able to stand up to Pereira. Recently, the former mixed martial artist, Chael Sonnen, took to his YouTube channel and revealed his thoughts on Pereira. Let’s see what the former fighter had to say about the ‘Poatan’.

Only one man is preventing Alex Pereira from joining the upper leagues

‘The American Gangster’ weighed in on the phenomenal performance displayed by Pereira at UFC 303. He exclaimed how Pereira defeated Prochazka via knockout, both in the second round. Sonnen said, “There is an exception out there, which is Ankalaev. I will admit that. That is a style that Pereira has yet to dominate. But with that exception, when that fight is in the rearview, you are going to see very different and very quicker wins and performances by Pereira.” 

The former fighter gave the example of Anderson Silva and Mike Tyson. He recalled how other fighters began fearing Silva’s and Tyson’s fighting prowess and didn’t fight them with their 100%. Sonnen reminded the fight fans of the time when Tyson was pitted against Bruce Seldon and Frank Bruno. He remembered how the fighters simply wanted to get out of the arena in one piece when pitted against Tyson and Silva. 

But was Pereira close to that level? Sonnen thought so. But the only hurdle he still needed to cross was Ankalaev. ‘The Bad Guy’ said, “We haven’t seen that with Pereira yet. Like these guys have fought him. These guys that Pereira has beaten, Sean Strickland comes to mind, but they are bringing their best skills. And that’s going to change. He is going to be that feared guy. He is going to go into the Mike Tyson Anderson Silva category. I believe he is there now. I don’t believe there’s a light heavyweight out there that will fight that man. In terms of bringing their skills, trying to win, believing actually that they can win. I don’t believe there’s one out there, and I will give an exception to Ankalaev.”

And Ankalaev seemed to prove Sonnen right. After the Brazilian knocked out his Czech opponent, the Russian fighter sent a message to the ‘Poatan’ beaming with confidence. Here is what Ankalaev said.

Magomed Ankalaev publicly challenges the LHW champ

Ankalaev has yet to face defeat in the UFC, and being undefeated has pumped him up to the level where he remains unfazed by Pereira’s strength. Needless to say, Pereira, being an exceptional striker, needs to prove himself against a grappler. And the Russian is indeed the perfect opponent for ‘Poatan’. After Pereira’s latest win, Ankalaev sent forth a message wherein he said, “Alex, nobody think you can beat me even the odd maker. I’m ready for war 0 (takedowns). I’m coming for you.”

This matchup has indeed excited the entire MMA fanbase. Even Dana White couldn’t hide his excitement about the matchup. White said, “Alex said he wanted to fight him so he could prove that he has wrestling.” However, the exact dates are yet to be confirmed. Nevertheless, one thing is certain. The fight fans are in for a spectacle that they won’t ever forget, with the fight between Ankalaev and Pereira.

Do you think the Brazilian has already climbed up to the level of Tyson and Silva? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.