“I hope you ready to do this for 25 min,” Magomed Ankalaev wrote when responding to Alex Pereira’s training video on ‘X’. The month of March will light up the UFC world as one of the very first matchups, aka UFC 313, will feature the 37-year-old current Light Heavyweight Champion against the 32-year-old Russian. The matchup is an important one for Ankalaev, as losing it would break the impressive 13-fight streak he has worked on since 2018. Furthermore, given how Ankalaev’s previous fight against Jan Blachowicz reportedly ended in controversy as a draw, the bout against Pereira provides a second opportunity to contend for the championship. With so much at stake, the Russian certainly has the necessary motivation. Despite that, some analysts suggested not putting too much hope upon the younger contender.

Former UFC champion Michael Bisping recently released another episode of his podcast. With another former UFC star, Paul Felder as co-host, the duo devoted a major segment to a conversation with Polish star Jan Błachowicz. As Bisping asked for an honest opinion about the upcoming fight with no “Bulls—t”, the 42-year-old stated “So, if Ankalaev will be fighting like Rakic (Aleksandar Rakić) in the fight with Pereira, he gonna lose. He need to do something more. He need to use his wrestling skills to make like tired Pereira, to make tired his hands, and then he can start fighting in stand up. If he will fight in stand up all the way, like kick-boxer, he’s gonna lose the fight. This is my opinion. If he not gonna use his wrestling skill, he gonna do nothing you know”.

At the same time, the Polish fighter added that Ankalaev would need to be more “aggressive”. It was the fight between Blachowicz and Ankalaev that ended in a drawback in 2022. On top of that, Blachowicz reportedly made a lone appearance against Alex Pereira in 2023. It ultimately ended with a disappointing split decision loss to Alex Pereira. This allowed ‘Poatan’ to capture the UFC Light Heavyweight title after another fight. A rematch was scheduled in 2024, but Blachowicz could not compete because of having undergone double-shoulder surgery. Jan Blachowicz has had memorable experiences with both fighters. Therefore, there was no one better to interview on the fight’s eve than him.

The Polish fighter’s remarks serve as a reminder of the lessons Magomed Ankalaev should remember from the October 2024 bout with Aleksandar Rakic. The fight did not have a knockout, and the judges scored the fight 29-28 in favor of Ankalaev. This means that the win could have easily slipped from the Russian’s hands. Over the three rounds, Ankalaev highlighted his striking ability by chipping away at Rakic. He reportedly kept his rival on his back foot for the entire fight. While the technical striking, kicks, and clinch work may have allowed Ankalaev a win then, Pereira is a different opponent.

Ankalaev may not be taking things easy going into the fight. However, neither is his rival. Whether as an intimidation strategy or assurance to his fans, the fighter is not hiding his training routine from prying eyes.

Alex Pereira practices with Action Bronson before Magomed Ankalaev fight: “PASSING ON KNOWLEDGE”

When defending the light heavyweight title for a fourth time, one has to go to certain lengths to prepare. ‘Poatan’ has already used the help of Plinio Cruz and former UFC champion Glover Teixeira. However, feeling that the same isn’t enough, Pereira utilized some outside help. That is where Action Bronson came in. The 41-year-old rapper first highlighted his fighting skills in public during his first professional wrestling match at the Grand Slam in September 2022. Since 2020, Bronson started focusing on protein-heavy meals, and clean foods, to mold his body. Therefore, training with such an individual helped ‘Poatan’ to know where he stands. Plus, given the rapper’s love for UFC, there was no way he could have said no to a sparring session.

Bronson put out the highlights of his training session recently on social media. No words and only fists were exchanged as the UFC star and Action Bronson kept attacking and defending in the middle of the busy gym. Pereira acknowledged the rapper’s efforts by writing a caption that read “THANK YOU TO THE LEGEND @alexpoatanpereira FOR LETTING ME STAND WITH HIM FOR 3 mins. THANK YOU BROTHER @pliniocruzmma FOR LETTING ME TRAIN AT HIS BEAUTIFUL FACILITY AND PASSING ON KNOWLEDGE. CHAMA”.

Magomed Ankalaev or Alex Pereira? Who will you be supporting during the upcoming fight? Let us know in the comments.