Exciting showdown between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev is finally upon us.
This Saturday, Pereira will defend his light heavyweight title against Ankalaev at UFC 313 in Las Vegas. The anticipation for this fight has been building for almost two years, with many fans believing that Ankalaev poses the biggest challenge in the division for Pereira. Will this hold true on Saturday, and how can both fighters walk away from Las Vegas with UFC gold? Let’s delve into it.
Strategies for Alex Pereira to Secure Victory at UFC 313
As I’ve previously mentioned in UFC 307, it’s becoming increasingly challenging to uncover new and intriguing aspects about Pereira, also known as “Poatan.” Despite his diverse skill set, Pereira’s success largely revolves around his left hook and low kicks. While the left hook garners attention for its devastating impact, it’s the subtler low kicks that will play a crucial role in Pereira’s triumph on Saturday.
Similar to the tale of Scylla and Charybdis in The Odyssey, Pereira’s opponents often focus on evading the powerful left hook, inadvertently falling victim to the damaging low kicks. Ankalaev, in particular, struggles to defend against low kicks, as demonstrated in his bout with Jan Blachowicz. Therefore, Pereira’s key to success lies in exploiting Ankalaev’s vulnerability to low kicks and debilitating his legs throughout the fight.
To sum it up, Pereira’s path to victory is clear: target Ankalaev’s legs relentlessly. By weakening Ankalaev’s foundation with strategic kicks, Pereira can potentially gain a significant advantage as the fight progresses. Additionally, utilizing teeps to maintain distance can further enhance Pereira’s control over the bout.

Strategies for Magomed Ankalaev to Secure Victory at UFC 313
Despite the aforementioned challenges, Ankalaev is a formidable contender with a legitimate chance of dethroning Pereira. His grappling skills, in particular, present a significant advantage over Pereira, who may be more vulnerable on the ground than in stand-up exchanges. By leveraging his wrestling expertise, Ankalaev can potentially exploit Pereira’s weaknesses in takedown defense.
Moreover, Ankalaev’s ability to capitalize on top position can pose a serious threat to Pereira, as demonstrated in his past fights. Whether through effective takedowns or striking prowess, Ankalaev possesses the versatility to dominate the fight in various aspects. This multifaceted approach could prove instrumental in securing victory against Pereira.
While Ankalaev’s grappling skills are commendable, his striking abilities should not be overlooked. With power-packed strikes and solid defensive capabilities, Ankalaev can hold his own in stand-up exchanges. By maintaining a well-rounded approach, Ankalaev can create openings for takedowns while also posing a significant threat on the feet.
In essence, Ankalaev’s key to success lies in balancing his wrestling prowess with striking proficiency. By integrating both aspects seamlessly, Ankalaev can increase his chances of emerging victorious in the fight.
X Factor
Beyond the technical aspects of the fight, the unique circumstances surrounding both fighters add an intriguing dimension to the matchup. Pereira’s rigorous fighting schedule and external commitments raise questions about his preparedness, while Ankalaev’s observance of Ramadan introduces an additional variable to his training and weight-cutting process. These external factors could potentially impact the fighters’ performances on fight night.
The unpredictability of these external influences adds an element of uncertainty to the outcome of the fight, making it a compelling spectacle for fans and analysts alike.
Outcome Prediction
While the technical analysis favors Pereira, the intangible factors surrounding the fight introduce an element of unpredictability. Despite Pereira’s skills and track record, the unforeseen nature of combat sports leaves room for surprises. As such, my instinct suggests that Ankalaev may secure a victory by knockout with a well-timed right hand during the fight.
Magomed Ankalaev defeats Alex Pereira via KO (punch) at 3:07 of Round 2.