Magomed Ankalaev just dropped a bombshell verdict ahead of the Light heavyweight title clash between Alex Pereira and Khalil Rountree Jr. scheduled for UFC 307. With the MMA community buzzing over the possible results of the anticipated bout, ‘Russian Terror’ has followed the same route and has dropped his predictions for the fight.

However, it was not without a snide jab at Pereira. According to Home of Fight, “Ankalaev predicts that Alex Pereira will win via KO with “voodoo help”. He added that he will “beat this demon out of him.” If you are confused then let us refresh our memory. Before his title clash against Jiri Prochazka, ‘Poatan’ was accused by his former opponent of indulging in ‘shamanic magic’ to gain an edge inside the octagon. Since then, this topic has been a rage in the 205 lbs division.

Naturally, the #2 ranked contender Ankalaev has cashed on it and said, “My prediction for UFC 307 main event @AlexPereiraUFC win KO voodoo help After this, I have to do my job and I will beat this demon out of him. They will never come back.”

Over the last two years, the Brazilian trailblazer has successfully established himself as the undisputed face of the UFC. However, Prochazka gives credit to otherworldly entities rather than to the champ himself. The Russian took a bold stance, declaring that ‘magic’ would not faze him in any shape or form. With an armor of confidence, he stated, “I pray five times a day. I am protected.”

Even Israel Adesanya hopped onto the topic and spoke about it in a segment of the JRE podcast. While Adesanya approached the subject more subtly, he suggested that ‘Chama’ has a distinct and terrifying aura when he graces the octagon. The enigmatic nature of Pereira left Izzy questioning the boundaries of reality and fable. After a while, he turned to Rogan and remarked, “You know what Jiri said about the whole juju thing? That’s real.” 

But let’s come back to reality, shall we? Do all these mysterious shamanic things that fighters are claiming about ‘Poatan’ carry have any substantial proof? Let’s hear it from the champ himself and even the UFC head honcho Dana White!

Alex Pereira and Dana White answer to the ‘voodoo’ claims

In a previous interview with ‘The Mac Life’, UFC CEO Dana White was pulled into this rabbit hole of whether Pereira is employing any ‘magic’ to dominate his fights. Surprisingly, the boss was pretty excited about the topic and deep into what he thought.

White remarked, “I don’t know. I love that s**t though. So, when Jiri found out about the fight, apparently he went into a shed for 3 days. No water, no food, no nothing. And prays or meditates, whatever he does. So, his coach banged on the door and told him this fight was available and he said something to the effect of ‘if this is what the universe wants’, you know.” 

Then he also added about how Pereira addressed veteran fighters who were claiming that he might be using something beyond the mortal realm. His answer?- “It is just another reason why this fight is so f**king awesome.” On top of that, the Brazilian has also admitted that he is connected to his ancestral roots and his traditions. He had also previously mentioned that he does believe in spiritual energy and did not bother if Prochazka chose to not believe in them.

Additionally, ‘Poatan’ has always been open about his indigenous ancestry. He even meticulously does the ‘bow and arrow’ ritual with his walkout song when he enters the octagon. He has also taken his title belt to a Pataxó reservation and dressed in traditional garb before. So maybe his ancestors and well-wishers are looking out for him and lending their mystic energy when he steps inside the octagon.

Ankalaev’s comments, beyond the ‘voodoo’ accusation, were a direct challenge to the reigning champion. So what happens if Pereira emerges victorious? It is a scenario that could eventually lead the two to fight each other and it is something that the fans are dying to see. What do you make of Ankalaev’s comments? Drop your comments below!