The rematch between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev can go a few different ways.
Fight week is here for UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Magomed Ankalaev and former champ Alex Pereira, who looks to take back his crown in the main event of UFC 320 on Saturday.
The headliners fought for the title at UFC 313 back in March, with Ankalaev getting his hand raised over Pereira by unanimous decision.
The first fight saw Pereira defend all 12 of Ankalaev’s takedown attempts, but to the surprise of many, the former kickboxing champion was outstruck on the feet three rounds to two.
Now set to rematch six months later, UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski has weighed in on this weekend’s main event.
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Alexander Volkanovski picks Magomed Ankalaev over Alex Pereira at UFC 320
Ankalaev is currently a 2-to-1 favorite to beat Pereira in their rubber match.
Analyzing their fights and styles, Volkanovski predicts a repeat of what we saw the first time.
“Pereira is so good,” Volkanovski said on his YouTube channel.
“Can he make the adjustments? Yes. But Ankalaev showed me just then, watching a bit of the tape that he can mix it up, change his looks, even change his stances. He’s obviously predominantly a southpaw, but changes his stances, that’s what suits him defensively.
“Very wary of where he is, where the danger is, when he’s a little more safe. That’s gonna be a major factor.
“I feel like Pereira can still do some great work, but if people are very effective at Southpaw, it can make it a little bit harder for Pereira. That’s all I’m saying. Doesn’t mean that he loses every time he gets a Southpaw.
“They may find that a little bit harder, especially when you’re effective with the southpaw like Ankalaev will be.
“So, I’m gonna have to go the favorite on this one. I think Ankalaev does it again,” Volkanovski said.
“I think he’s gonna be more wrestle heavy. Will he get the takedowns? No. But he’s safe enough on the feet to just constantly get himself out of danger. When he’s in danger and if Pereira’s doing a great job, he can stick to him a little bit, then get himself back there, get him out of danger.
“Win back there [with] that octagon control, do enough to just win a five round decision. I’m gonna have to go with Ankalaev for the win,” Volkanovski said.
“Can Pereira get the knockout? One hundred percent, but I think Ankalaev wins,” Volkanovski said.
Alex Pereira looks phenomenal ahead of UFC 320 title fight
One of the main criticisms regarding Pereira from their first fight was that he didn’t take enough chances in the striking department.
Pereira was relatively gun-shy compared to previous performances, which some believe that was a result of Ankalaev’s takedown threat.
Ahead of the rematch, Pereira has been crushing pads, looking very slick and powerful at 38 years old.
We’ll see if ‘Poatan’ can pull off the upset against Ankalaev, who has never been knocked out in his career.