In the world of mixed martial arts, there are few things more exhilarating than watching two highly skilled fighters go head to head in the octagon. And at UFC 313, we were treated to just that as Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira faced off for the light heavyweight strap.
Going into the fight, many fans and experts had their eyes fixed on Pereira, the highly touted kickboxing sensation making his MMA debut. But it was Ankalaev, the seasoned MMA fighter, who stole the show, putting up a masterclass performance and shocking everyone who expected and prayed for Pereira to win.
From the opening bell, it was clear that Ankalaev had come prepared to dismantle Pereira’s game. He systematically picked apart his opponent, mixing up his striking with the threat of grappling exchanges. This not only kept Pereira on his toes but also showcased Ankalaev’s versatile skill set.
Throughout the five grueling rounds, Ankalaev remained composed and calculated, never once letting his emotions get the best of him. Even as Pereira tried to find an opening with his devastating kicks, Ankalaev stayed patient, waiting for the right moment to strike.
And strike he did. With each passing round, Ankalaev’s striking got more precise and powerful, leaving Pereira struggling to find any sort of answer. But it wasn’t just his striking that was impressive, Ankalaev also showed his dominance in the grappling department, effortlessly shutting down Pereira’s attempts to take the fight to the ground.
Former two-division champion Daniel Cormier, who was on commentary duty for the fight, couldn’t help but be in awe of Ankalaev’s performance. In a post-fight interview, he highlighted the key factors that led to Ankalaev’s victory, stating, “Ankalaev’s ability to mix up his striking with the threat of grappling was the key to his success. He kept Pereira guessing and never allowed him to get comfortable in the fight.”
Cormier also weighed in on the comparisons being made between Pereira and former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones. Despite Pereira’s impressive kickboxing record and his hype as a potential “next big thing,” Cormier believes that Jones still holds the crown as the “bigger attraction” in MMA.
“It’s not just about being a great fighter, it’s also about being a great showman and building a fan base. And Jon Jones has proven time and time again that he has that ability,” Cormier said.
While Pereira’s striking skills are undoubtedly impressive, it takes more than that to become a true MMA superstar. And Jones, with his long-standing legacy and fan base, has proven that he possesses all the qualities to be a “bigger attraction” in the sport.
But that’s not to take away from Pereira’s potential. With some more experience and a few tweaks to his game, he could very well become a force to be reckoned with in the MMA world. And who knows, maybe someday he will be able to challenge Jones for that “bigger attraction” title.
In the end, it was Ankalaev who emerged victorious at UFC 313, securing the light heavyweight strap and cementing his place as one of the top contenders in the division. His masterclass performance not only shocked the fans and experts but also silenced those who had doubted his abilities.
It’s performances like Ankalaev’s at UFC 313 that remind us why we love this sport so much. It’s a constant reminder that anything can happen inside the octagon, and it’s the fighters who are willing to put everything on the line that truly shine. And on that night, it was Magomed Ankalaev who shined the brightest.
