As UFC 313 approaches, the pre-fight tensions between two of the most prominent fighters in the division are starting to heat up. Magomed Ankalaev, known for his formidable striking and calm demeanor in the Octagon, has taken a direct shot at Alex Pereira, the former middleweight champion, ahead of their highly anticipated clash. Ankalaev, who has made a name for himself with his technical and disciplined approach to fighting, criticized Pereira for his social media antics, suggesting that the Brazilian is more focused on “dancing like a girl” online rather than sharpening his fighting skills.
In an interview leading up to UFC 313, Ankalaev, who has been on an impressive win streak, expressed his frustration with Pereira’s recent activity on social media. While Pereira has garnered significant attention for his presence online, where he often posts videos showing off his dance moves, Ankalaev believes this is a distraction that could cost Pereira when they meet inside the cage.
“Alex Pereira is busy dancing on social media like a girl instead of working on his fighting skills,” Ankalaev remarked during his interview. “He’s more interested in looking cool and posting things for his followers than preparing for one of the toughest challenges of his career.”
Ankalaev’s comments are a clear indication of his growing frustration with Pereira’s media attention, especially given the stakes of their upcoming fight. While Pereira’s fans appreciate his charismatic personality and offbeat posts, Ankalaev sees it as a lack of respect for the sport. “This is the fight game,” Ankalaev continued. “When you step into that cage, you have to be prepared in every way. You can’t be worried about what you’re going to post next or how you look on Instagram.”
The war of words between Ankalaev and Pereira has added extra intrigue to an already highly anticipated fight. Ankalaev, a fighter with a calm and methodical approach to his bouts, has been known for his sharp focus and tactical fight IQ. His undefeated streak in the UFC and impressive knockout power make him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the light heavyweight division, and Pereira’s recent shift to the 205-pound division will certainly test his skills against someone like Ankalaev.
On the other hand, Pereira, who famously knocked out Israel Adesanya to claim the middleweight title before moving up to light heavyweight, has proven his striking prowess. His knockout power is unquestionable, and his background in kickboxing has given him a unique advantage in the striking department. However, Ankalaev’s pointed criticism suggests that Pereira may not be dedicating himself fully to refining the areas of his game that need work, such as grappling and conditioning.
Pereira’s social media presence has made him a popular figure in the world of combat sports, drawing attention from fans and media alike. Many view his posts as a way for him to engage with his fans, build his brand, and stay connected with his audience. However, Ankalaev seems to believe that Pereira’s online activity could be distracting him from focusing on the task at hand.
Pereira, however, has not shied away from acknowledging his social media presence. He’s built a substantial following on platforms like Instagram, where his posts are often filled with entertaining videos of his workouts, family moments, and, as Ankalaev pointed out, dancing. The lighthearted side of Pereira has drawn both fans and detractors, with some feeling it detracts from the seriousness of his approach to fighting.
While it’s clear that Ankalaev’s frustration stems from the contrast in focus between the two fighters, Pereira has yet to directly respond to the criticism. Instead, he remains focused on preparing for the challenge ahead, ensuring his transition to light heavyweight is a smooth one.
UFC 313 promises to be an exciting event, with Ankalaev and Pereira set to face off in a battle that could determine the next challenger for the light heavyweight title. For Ankalaev, the fight is an opportunity to prove that his discipline and focus have earned him a shot at the top of the division. For Pereira, the clash is a chance to showcase that he belongs among the elite at 205 pounds and that his striking can continue to reign supreme.
As the fight draws nearer, the tension between Ankalaev and Pereira is only going to increase, and their war of words may only be the beginning. Both fighters have the skills and mentality to win, but only one will leave UFC 313 with their hand raised and the next title shot in sight. The pressure is mounting, and it will be fascinating to see how both fighters handle the intense spotlight and high expectations leading up to the big night.
With Ankalaev’s focus on preparation and Pereira’s charismatic persona, the contrast between them will add even more drama to what promises to be an unforgettable showdown.
