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Ankalaev Fighting Style: The Ultimate Showdown - Dissecting Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira - Who Will Claim Victory?
- kennyherrholz
- Oct 29, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Mar 29
In the thrilling world of mixed martial arts, few upcoming matches excite fans quite like the potential showdown between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira. Both fighters have earned their stripes in the sport, armed with different skills and relentless determination. This analysis breaks down their fighting techniques and grappling abilities to estimate how these styles may impact the outcome of their clash. Ankalaev’s fight against Jan Błachowicz resulted in a controversial split draw, as the fight ended with the judges unable to declare a clear winner.
Light Heavyweight Contenders
The light heavyweight division is a battleground of elite fighters, each vying for a shot at the coveted title. Among the top contenders, a few names stand out due to their impressive skills and recent performances.
Jan Błachowicz, a former light heavyweight champion, remains a formidable force in the division. Known for his strong grappling background, Błachowicz has consistently demonstrated his ability to control fights on the ground. His experience and resilience make him a perennial threat to any titleholder.
Johnny Walker, with his dynamic striking and flair for finishing fights, has been making waves in the light heavyweight division. Walker’s explosive style and unpredictability in the octagon have earned him a reputation as a dangerous opponent. His recent victories have positioned him as a serious contender looking to reclaim his spot in the title picture.
Nikita Krylov, a well-rounded fighter with a solid wrestling foundation, has been steadily climbing the ranks. Krylov’s ability to blend striking with effective takedowns has made him a tough matchup for anyone in the division. His recent performances have showcased his potential to challenge for the light heavyweight title.
Anthony Smith, a veteran of the division, continues to be a significant player in the title race. Smith’s experience and well-rounded skill set have kept him in contention, and he remains determined to make another run at the championship. His resilience and tactical acumen make him a challenging opponent for any fighter.
These contenders, each with their unique strengths, contribute to the depth and excitement of the light heavyweight division, ensuring that the path to the title is never straightforward.
Striking Techniques: Magomed Ankalaev vs Alex
Magomed Ankalaev is a combat sambo fighter and mixed martial artist from Russia. He is the current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion as of March 2025.
Magomed Ankalaev is widely recognized for his precise striking. His knack for reading opponents and exploiting openings sets him apart in the light heavyweight division. Ankalaev effectively fuses kickboxing with traditional martial arts, maintaining a light footwork style. Notably, his powerful leg kicks, which can disrupt an opponent’s rhythm, could prove crucial against Pereira, who often uses the cage to set up his attacks. For instance, in his fight against Ion Cuţelaba, Ankalaev executed effective leg kicks that significantly slowed his opponent’s movement, showcasing how effective these tactics can be. In his professional career, Ankalaev has a record of 18 wins and 1 loss. He has a reach of 75 inches and usually takes an orthodox fighting stance.
On the flip side, Alex Pereira, the former middleweight champion, boasts an aggressive striking approach developed through his kickboxing career. With an impressive record of 33 wins in kickboxing, including 21 knockouts, Pereira’s arsenal features knockout punches, devastating hooks, and knee strikes that make him a perilous opponent in stand-up exchanges. His ability to finish fights was clear in his rematch against Israel Adesanya, where he landed a flurry of heavy shots that concluded the fight in the second round. This eagerness to engage and unleash high-volume strikes gives Pereira a slight edge in striking battles.
Both fighters present formidable striking styles but emphasize different strategies. Ankalaev relies on precision and tactical execution, while Pereira adopts a more explosive and overwhelming approach.
Evaluating Grappling Skills
Grappling skills may not always take center stage, but they are essential for any MMA fighter. Magomed Ankalaev brings strong grappling credentials to the octagon. In addition to his sambo background, Ankalaev incorporates techniques from Greco-Roman wrestling into his training. With a solid foundation in sambo, he excels in clinch work and takedowns. For example, in his bout against Nikita Krylov, he showcased effective takedowns that allowed him to dictate the fight’s pace while landing significant ground strikes. This grappling proficiency enables Ankalaev to control opponents and keep them guessing about his next move. Additionally, Ankalaev uses his jab to set up combinations and keep distance from his opponents, further enhancing his versatility in the octagon. Ankalaev is renowned for using strong punches, knees, elbows, and kicks to destroy opponents.
On the other hand, Alex Pereira is not primarily known as a grappling specialist. However, he has improved significantly in wrestling and defensive grappling over time. In his fight against Jan Błachowicz, Pereira demonstrated his ability to fend off submissions and remain on his feet, despite being challenged. His ongoing training in grappling has added depth to his skill set and serves as a critical tool when he faces opponents with strong wrestling. While he may not seek takedowns, Pereira’s determination to stay upright allows him to focus on striking.
When comparing their grappling abilities, Ankalaev clearly holds the advantage. If he employs a grappling-heavy game plan, he can effectively mitigate Pereira’s striking power and capitalize on his takedown skills. He has never submitted to win a bout; instead, KOs, TKOs, or decisions have been his means of winning.
Key Matchup Factors
When dissecting the potential clash between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira, several key factors could determine the fight’s outcome.
Striking: Both fighters are renowned for their striking prowess, but their styles differ significantly. Pereira’s aggressive and high-volume striking could pose a challenge for Ankalaev, who relies on precision and tactical execution. Pereira’s ability to land knockout punches and devastating hooks makes him a formidable opponent in stand-up exchanges.
Grappling: Ankalaev’s grappling skills could be the deciding factor in this matchup. His background in combat sambo and proficiency in takedowns and clinch work give him a clear advantage in this area. If Ankalaev can successfully implement a grappling-heavy game plan, he could neutralize Pereira’s striking threats and control the fight’s pace.
Conditioning: Both fighters have demonstrated excellent conditioning in their previous bouts. However, Ankalaev’s ability to maintain a high pace and pressure his opponents could give him an edge as the fight progresses. His endurance and ability to push the pace might wear down Pereira, especially if the fight goes into the later rounds.
Experience: Ankalaev’s experience in the UFC and his encounters with top-tier opponents provide him with valuable ring generalship and strategic insight. This experience could be crucial in navigating the complexities of a high-stakes fight against a dangerous striker like Pereira.
These factors, when combined, paint a picture of a highly competitive and intriguing matchup, where each fighter’s strengths and weaknesses will be put to the test.
Predicting Possible Outcomes Based on Fighting Styles
The contrasting fighting styles of Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira make predicting their matchup exciting. If Ankalaev can execute effective takedowns in the first round, he might diminish Pereira’s striking effectiveness by keeping him on the ground and controlling the pace of the fight. Should the fight remain on the feet, Pereira’s striking advantages likely place him in a favorable position. His explosive power and impressive strike volume could allow him to control exchanges, potentially finishing the fight as he has done in previous bouts.
Conversely, if Ankalaev initiates grappling exchanges, he can neutralize Pereira’s striking threats. By focusing on clinch work and takedowns, Ankalaev would aim to wear Pereira down over the course of the fight. For instance, if Ankalaev can execute effective takedowns in the early rounds, he might diminish Pereira’s striking effectiveness by keeping him on the ground and controlling the pace of the fight.
Ultimately, the outcome hinges on Ankalaev’s game plan and its execution. If he successfully integrates striking with powerful takedowns, he could secure a victory through a combination of ground control and effective punches. However, if the fight stays primarily standing, Pereira’s striking acumen will likely shine, allowing him to seek a knockout.
Fight Outcome Implications
The outcome of the highly anticipated fight between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira carries significant implications for the light heavyweight division.
If Ankalaev emerges victorious, he will solidify his position as the top contender in the division. A win would not only affirm his status but also set the stage for potential rematches or new challenges against other top contenders. Ankalaev’s victory would reinforce his dominance and strategic prowess in the light heavyweight division.
On the other hand, if Pereira wins, he will ascend to the throne as the new light heavyweight champion. This victory would mark a significant milestone in his career, transitioning from a former middleweight champion to conquering the light heavyweight division. Pereira’s win would also open the door for exciting title defenses against the division’s elite, further intensifying the competition.
Beyond the immediate title implications, the fight’s outcome will also impact the pound-for-pound rankings, as both fighters are currently ranked in the top 10. A win for either fighter would enhance their standing and prestige within the broader MMA community.
Moreover, the winner will gain a substantial boost in momentum and confidence, which could be pivotal in their subsequent fights. This psychological edge, combined with the physical and technical advantages gained from a high-profile victory, could shape the trajectory of their future bouts.
In conclusion, the stakes are incredibly high for both Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira, with the fight’s result poised to reshape the landscape of the light heavyweight division and beyond.
Final Thoughts on the Fight
The anticipated clash between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira promises to be a captivating encounter characterized by contrasting styles. Ankalaev’s tactical striking and superior grappling could empower him to take control of the bout. In contrast, Pereira’s aggressive striking and knockout power could present significant challenges for Ankalaev if they remain engaged in a stand-up battle. Magomed Ankalaev will face Alex Pereira on March 8, 2025, at UFC 313. Ankalaev fought Johnny Walker on January 13, 2023, and won by second-round TKO. Ankalaev's fight against Johnny Walker was ruled a no contest following an illegal strike, highlighting the implications of such decisions on a fighter's record and reputation.
As fans eagerly await this showdown, the stakes are high, and the outcome is unpredictable, resting in the delicate balance of skills, strategies, and determination displayed by both fighters. No matter who emerges victorious, the fight between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira is sure to be a thrilling event and a highlight in the world of mixed martial arts.