The UFC light heavyweight division is witnessing a storm brewing as Alex Pereira, the reigning 205lbs champion, prepares for his next title defense. Known for his devastating knockout power, the Brazilian champion has torn through his competition like a bolt of lightning. However, lurking in the shadows is his next challenger, Magomed Ankalaev, a cold-blooded predator from Dagestan with a relentless wrestling game. At UFC 313, these two forces will collide in what promises to be an electrifying showdown.

The Rivalry Intensifies: Pereira vs. Ankalaev

The tension between Pereira and Ankalaev has reached a boiling point. The Dagestani contender has been vocal about his frustrations, accusing the champion of “ducking” him. His words cut through the MMA community like a Siberian wind, sending a strong message to both fans and fighters alike.

In a bold statement following UFC 312, Ankalaev took to social media and declared:

“Brazil, sorry for what I will do to your boy.”

image_67b3efcd9134f The destroyer Pereira sends a warning: ‘I am not afraid!’ Will Ankalaev be crushed at UFC 313

He also posted a series of tweets aimed at Pereira, stating:

“@AlexPereiraUFC keeps traveling and forgetting that he will be fighting for his life on March 8. He will never be the same again after this fight @danawhite, I swear.”

Despite these threats, Pereira remains unfazed. The Brazilian knockout artist has dismissed Ankalaev’s warnings, maintaining his usual composed demeanor. In an interview with Australian businessman and media personality Mark Bouris, Pereira responded with characteristic calmness:

“I’m training as I always do. Nothing changes except that he’s a southpaw.”

Mind Games or Overconfidence? Pereira’s Training Approach

Unlike many champions who retreat into rigorous training camps before a fight, Pereira has been living his life as usual, attending events and making public appearances. Just weeks before his title defense, he was seen cornering Sean Strickland at UFC 312 and later attending a concert by rapper Aubrey ‘Drake’ Graham.

This behavior has led many to speculate: Is Pereira underestimating Ankalaev? Is he taking his challenger lightly?

However, Pereira remains steadfast in his confidence. He believes his experience and training, particularly with former champion Glover Teixeira, have prepared him well for a wrestler like Ankalaev.

“I also have a lot of wrestling experience. I am not afraid. I am ready,” Pereira stated.

Breaking Down the Fight: Pereira vs. Ankalaev

This matchup is a classic clash of styles—striking versus grappling, precision versus pressure.

Pereira’s Knockout Power

Elite kickboxing pedigree – With multiple Glory Kickboxing titles, Pereira’s striking is on another level.

One-punch knockout power – Few can withstand his devastating left hook.

Calculated aggression – Unlike wild brawlers, he picks his shots with surgical precision.

Mental toughness – Never flustered, Pereira thrives under pressure.

Ankalaev’s Wrestling and Ground GameDagestani wrestling background – He follows the Khabib Nurmagomedov blueprint.

Grinding control – Once he gets a takedown, he smothers opponents with top pressure.

Underrated striking – While not at Pereira’s level, he has solid kicks and counterpunching.

Cardio advantage – He can maintain his pace for five rounds, unlike many power punchers.

Key Question: Can Pereira Stop the Takedowns?

The biggest question heading into UFC 313 is whether Pereira’s takedown defense has improved enough to keep the fight standing. His only other major test against a wrestler came against Jan Blachowicz, who managed to take him down but couldn’t finish him.

Even Blachowicz, who has fought both men, weighed in on the matchup:

“Pereira is dangerous, but if Ankalaev can get him down early, it could be a long night for the champion.”

High Stakes: What This Fight Means for Both Fighters

For Pereira, a win would further solidify his legacy as a two-division champion and one of the most feared strikers in MMA history. He has already conquered the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions—could a move to heavyweight be next?

For Ankalaev, this is a shot at redemption. His controversial draw against Jan Blachowicz at UFC 282 left him feeling robbed of gold. This is his chance to silence doubters and claim the title that has eluded him.

The Mental Warfare: Who Holds the Edge?

One overlooked aspect of this fight is the mental battle. Pereira has a history of getting inside his opponents’ heads—whether it was Adesanya, Strickland, or Procházka, he thrives on confidence. Ankalaev, on the other hand, has shown frustration in the past when things don’t go his way.

If Pereira can maintain his calm and force Ankalaev to fight on emotion rather than strategy, he could capitalize on mistakes. However, if Ankalaev fights with a clear game plan, he could drag Pereira into deep waters and force the Brazilian into uncomfortable positions.

Final Prediction: Who Will Prevail?

While Pereira has the power to end the fight in an instant, Ankalaev’s wrestling presents a real threat. If the Dagestani can impose his game plan and avoid getting caught early, he could grind out a decision win or even secure a late stoppage.

That being said, if Pereira can stuff the takedowns and force Ankalaev to strike, expect fireworks. The longer the fight stays standing, the greater the likelihood of a Pereira knockout victory.

As UFC 313 approaches, fans eagerly await the answer to one burning question: Will Pereira prove his dominance once again, or will Ankalaev’s wrestling finally be the kryptonite that brings down the Brazilian powerhouse? One thing is for sure—March 8 will be a night to remember in UFC history.