Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev’s rivalry has sparked considerable intrigue in the MMA world. Both fighters bring unique skill sets to the table. Pereira is known for his devastating knockout power and striking and Ankalaev has a well-rounded game along with a powerful grappling ability. The pair will now have the opportunity to settle their scores at UFC 313 in the main event.

For a long time, many experts felt Ankalaev has the skill set to get past the challenge of ‘Poatan’. However, former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker doesn’t quite feel so. Let us take a look at what he had to say about the highly anticipated fight.

Robert Whittaker feels Magomed Ankalaev will have it tough against Alex Pereira

The light heavyweight champion is coming off a remarkable 2024, dominating three UFC pay-per-views with spectacular knockouts, while retaining his light heavyweight title. He finished every opponent he faced at light heavyweight, with the exception of Jan Blachowicz. However, we can’t overlook the strength of Magomed Ankalaev, the seasoned contender who has remained unbeaten in his last 13 fights since his debut loss in 2018. Both fighters bring impressive credentials to the table, making a potential matchup between them highly anticipated in the MMA world.

The Russian fighter took to his X account, stating that he would make Alex Pereira regret attempting to avoid a fight with him. He has even pointed out that he will make easy work of Alex Pereira. But can this really be the case against a man who is knocking out people and making it look easy? ‘Poatan’ has often been criticized for not having a very good ground game that might work in favor of Ankalaev. However, ‘The Reaper’ feels the fight may not be an easy one for the Russian fighter.

While speaking on the MMArcade podcast, he shared his honest opinion on the fight. He said, “Alex Pereira and Ankalaev, man, they don’t like each other. I love the story that’s getting built around it. I don’t know, a lot of people are saying Ankalaev is like going to take him down and bash him. He’s going to be like his Kryptonite. But man, I don’t know, maybe they are seeing something I am not. Like, his striking is nowhere near at Pereira’s level and his takedowns aren’t that good”. 

The pair of light heavyweights have been going back and forth on social media for quite some time now, and the barbs being traded have only intensified with the announcement of the fight. Magomed Ankalaev is leaving no chance to take a dig at the champion with his posts. The Brazilian was lately seen at the UFC 311 event enjoying the fights and the night, and Ankalaev feels he was there for other reasons.

Magomed Ankalaev takes aim at Alex Pereira for being present at UFC 311

After months of being dismissed by Alex Pereira, Magomed Ankalaev’s determination has finally earned him a shot at the light heavyweight title. Just over a week ago, Pereira stirred the pot by posting on X, declaring that Ankalaev would not be his next challenger. This comment only fueled Ankalaev’s frustration, setting the stage for their anticipated clash. As expected, the Russian fighter responded to the Brazilian, reminding him of his duties as a champion and a UFC athlete. Ankalaev didn’t hold back, assuring Pereira that their showdown in the Octagon was inevitable—a prediction that has now become reality.

Now Ankalaev has once again mocked the champion, which might come as a surprise to many. ‘Poatan’ was seen enjoying the recently concluded UFC 311 event and even fans appreciated his presence. However, according to the 32-year-old Russian fighter, the LHW champ was there for a different reason altogether.

Championship Rounds took to their Instagram account to share what exactly Ankalaev said after seeing the Brazilian champion at the event. The caption read, “Magomed Ankalaev says Alex Pereira goes to UFC events for “free alcohol and camera time.” The post also had a warning issued by Ankalaev that read, “I’ve been training so hard. March 8 alcohol not help you.” 

With such serious claims being made by Ankalaev, it will be interesting to see whether he can back them with actions. Who do you think will win between the two at UFC 313? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.