In a bold pre-fight statement ahead of their main event clash at UFC 313 on March 8 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Russian fighter Magomed Ankalaev has vowed not only to defeat Brazilian superstar Alex Pereira but also to change the course of his career entirely.
Boasting an impressive 13-fight undefeated streak over the past seven years, Ankalaev is determined to shatter the hype surrounding Pereira—even though he may not have the star power of potential opponents like heavyweight champion Jon Jones or middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis.
On Sunday, Ankalaev took to Twitter to fire off a warning:
“This guy keeps traveling and he forgets he will be fighting for his life on March 8. He will never be the same after this fight [Dana White], mark my word.” 🗣️📱
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His comments come in the wake of Pereira’s recent globe-trotting behavior—most notably, flying to Sydney to support his training partner Sean Strickland in the co-main event at UFC 312, while watching from the front row alongside Israel Adesanya. During that event, Strickland suffered a lackluster decision loss to middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis.
In a further dig at Pereira, Ankalaev compared the Brazilian’s social media antics to a “TikTok chick,” boasting:
“I never wanna hurt someone in my life like I want to hurt Alex. I’ve been climbing mountains, chopping wood, swimming in freezing lakes, and Alex has been dancing and making videos like a TikTok chick.” 😤⛰️🏊♂️
While his provocative comments have sparked controversy, they underscore the fierce rivalry and contrasting lifestyles between the two fighters. On paper, Ankalaev’s blend of wrestling prowess and potent striking makes him a formidable opponent. However, Fans widely recognize Pereira as one of MMA’s most dangerous knockout artists, raising questions about whether Ankalaev will risk a stand-up battle with the Brazilian superstar.
As UFC 313 approaches, all eyes will be on this high-stakes showdown at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where both fighters aim to make an indelible impact on the sport. Stay tuned for what promises to be a fight that could redefine both careers.
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