Pereira Will Pay the Price for Ignoring His Ground Game Ankalaev Will Expose His Weakness

As UFC 313 approaches in March, fans are anxiously urging Alex Pereira to focus heavily on his grappling skills. While the light heavyweight champion has gained a reputation for his elite striking and kickboxing pedigree, his ground game remains largely untested, leaving many wondering if this could be his downfall when he faces Magomed Ankalaev.

One UFC fan hit the nail on the head, stating, “Dedicate the whole camp to grappling and cardio!” This demand echoes the growing belief that Pereira must refine his wrestling and takedown defense to stay ahead in the game.

Wrestling and Grappling: The Key to Remaining Champion

“The entire camp should focus on wrestling and grappling,” suggested another fan, emphasizing the urgency for Pereira to adapt his approach. While some fans remain confident in the abilities of Pereira’s coach, Glover Teixeira, others are hopeful that Teixeira’s underrated grappling expertise can guide Pereira to significantly improve in these areas.

For Pereira, focusing on the fundamentals of wrestling will be pivotal if he intends to keep his title against Ankalaev.

Ankalaev’s Tactical Approach and Pereira’s Tough Test

Magomed Ankalaev has made it clear that he initially plans to strike with Pereira, but in MMA, plans often change mid-fight. Pereira’s endurance in the championship rounds is well documented, so if Ankalaev does attempt to keep it standing, he may find himself overwhelmed by Pereira’s precision. However, if Ankalaev adjusts his strategy, the battle will shift quickly to the ground.

Pereira must be ready. If Ankalaev attempts takedowns at the slightest sign of fatigue from Pereira, it could leave the champion struggling, especially since Ankalaev is a master at ground control.

Struggles with Grappling: A Vulnerability Exploited by Adesanya

Despite fans’ confidence in Pereira’s striking, his grappling deficiencies have not gone unnoticed. One fan recalled his struggles against Israel Adesanya, criticizing Pereira’s ground game as “the WORST grappling I’ve ever seen in the UFC.” This fight exposed a vulnerability that could be exploited by Ankalaev and other grapplers in the future.

However, some fans remain optimistic, believing that Pereira can evolve into an even more dangerous fighter if he can develop effective takedown defense, similar to José Aldo. Should he improve in this area, Pereira would be a formidable force in the octagon.

The Ultimate Decision: Is Pereira Ready for Ground War?

Whether Pereira chooses to invest time and energy into improving his grappling will be a decisive factor in his fight with Ankalaev. The question remains: will Pereira sacrifice part of his training camp for a more well-rounded game, or will he continue to rely solely on his striking? His legacy depends on this critical decision.

Ankalaev’s Vengeance and Mental Warfare

On the other side of the octagon, Magomed Ankalaev is laser-focused on proving that he deserves the title shot he has waited so long for. Since his last loss in 2018, Ankalaev has maintained an undefeated streak and has been actively calling out Pereira for months.

In a recent interview, Ankalaev issued a chilling warning: “You just signed your death certificate. I’m going to punish you for ducking me, and I’m going to make you look like a guy working in a tire shop, not a professional fighter.”

Pereira’s Crucial Preparation: Grappling or Strike?

As the fight edges closer, the question looms over Pereira’s preparation. Will he focus on grappling, sharpening his takedown defense, or will he continue to rely on his striking prowess? If he neglects his ground game, the night could turn out to be far more challenging than he ever imagined. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and every aspect of his training could determine his future as a UFC champion.

In the world of mixed martial arts, where adaptability is key, Pereira must decide if he is willing to evolve into a complete fighter. If he doesn’t, Ankalaev might just make him regret it when the cage door closes.