UFC light heavyweight contender Magomed Ankalaev continues to make his claim to be the next title challenger, claiming that current champion Alex Pereira has ‘overrated’ striking.
Following Alex Pereira’s extremely impressive title defense against Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303 on June 29, Magomed Ankalaev immediately took to social media to call out the Brazilian champion, as he continues to campaign for a deserved title shot.
The Russian contender last fought in January when he knocked out Johnny Walker in the second round of their Fight Night main event.
Magomed Ankalaev claims Pereira’s striking is ‘overrated’
‘Poatan’ is rapidly becoming one of the UFC’s biggest stars as he continues simply dispatching of the contenders put in front of him.
Despite that, Ankalaev believes that the former two-weight kickboxing champion has ‘overrated’ striking, and his continuous front foot approach will put him in danger when they come to fight each other.
“Definitely he has a strong punch but I think overall his standup is overrated,” the Russian told mmajunkie.
“Watching his fight with Jamahal Hill, he had something to offer to counter him, same with Prochazka. You could see that he is moving forward, same style. He’s lucky he hasn’t faced a serious opposition, as I said, the wrestling is there, but I’m ready to fight with him standing up and test him out,” Ankalaev continued.
Following his win over Prochazka, Pereira has once again hinted at a possible move to heavyweight, which hasn’t sat well with the 32-year-old light heavyweight contender.
“I don’t know why people are saying he is going to move up to the heavyweight division. I don’t see that. As a guy who has no wrestling, I think it’s going to be really hard for him. Maybe just one fight but I think once he came to light heavyweight, he went through the division, but I’m still here.
“He didn’t fight me. If you want to be the champion of the division I think he definitely has to face me first. Then maybe he can consider other moves,” Ankalaev stated.
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Ankalaev vows to send Pereira back to Brazil ‘Belt less’
The 36-year-old’s picture-perfect switch kick knockout earned him a staggering $303k bonus from Dana White, after Pereira asked the boss for bonus similar to what he offered out at UFC 300 this past April.
Commenting on Pereira’s small fortune, Ankalaev said on X: “Good for him. I will soon send him back to Brazil belt less.”
The Russian even went on to claim that he will make a deal with ‘Poatan’ ahead of their possible fight, further exhibiting his confidence.
“@AlexPereiraUFC I will make a deal. First 15 minutes, no takedowns.”
Although Ankalaev is the deserved next contender and someone the 36-year-old champion hasn’t fought yet, former champion, Jan Blachowicz is hopeful of leapfrogging the Russian as the next title challenger.
“I’ve never lost a rematch. And I won’t,” Blachowicz tweeted on X.
Pereira’s UFC light heavyweight debut came against ‘Polish Power’ in which he edged a split decision. Since then, the 41-year-old hasn’t fought because of a shoulder injury, leaving his chances of overtaking Ankalaev very slim.