Magomed Ankalaev Shocks Fans by Backing Khabib Nurmagomedov Against Alex Pereira

“Pereira Can’t Wrestle, and That’s His Downfall,” Claims Ankalaev

Magomed Ankalaev has sent ripples through the MMA world with his bold prediction: Khabib Nurmagomedov would dominate Alex Pereira in a potential matchup. The statement, dripping with confidence, challenges conventional views and stirs curiosity about what could have been one of the most intriguing fights in mixed martial arts history. But why does Ankalaev believe so strongly in Khabib’s superiority? His reasoning goes beyond just fandom—it’s rooted in technical analysis and a deep understanding of the fight game.

The Wrestling Factor: Pereira’s Achilles’ Heel

Ankalaev didn’t mince words when discussing Alex Pereira’s perceived weaknesses. In his view, the former UFC middleweight champion’s skill set is incomplete—especially when it comes to grappling and wrestling. Ankalaev stated, “Because Pereira doesn’t have wrestling. He doesn’t know how to get up.”

For fans of Pereira, this critique isn’t entirely new. Despite his awe-inspiring striking skills and devastating knockout power, Pereira has often been criticized for his ground game—or lack thereof. Ankalaev believes this deficit would spell disaster against a relentless wrestler like Khabib.

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s legacy as an undefeated fighter is built on his suffocating wrestling and ground control. Ankalaev highlighted how Khabib’s unmatched ability to keep opponents pinned to the mat would neutralize Pereira’s striking entirely. He added, “Khabib would make it a one-sided fight. Pereira wouldn’t get the space to throw a single kick or punch.”

This raises a tantalizing question: Is Pereira’s striking prowess enough to overcome an elite grappler like Khabib? Ankalaev’s perspective suggests otherwise. He argues that in MMA, a fighter without a strong ground game is vulnerable—no matter how deadly their striking might be.

Pereira’s Lack of Hard Wrestling Battles

In another jab at Pereira’s skill set, Ankalaev emphasized the lack of grueling fights in Pereira’s career that required him to engage in extended wrestling exchanges. “He hasn’t been in hard fights where wrestling is present,” Ankalaev asserted.

While Pereira’s knockout wins over elite fighters like Israel Adesanya have cemented his reputation as a fearsome striker, Ankalaev believes these victories don’t tell the whole story. The Brazilian hasn’t faced opponents who could drag him into the deep waters of a grappling-heavy fight.

Contrast this with Khabib’s career, where every fight seemed like a masterclass in wrestling dominance. Khabib’s relentless style left opponents frustrated, tired, and ultimately defeated. Ankalaev insists that Pereira would be no exception.

This lack of exposure to elite wrestling could be Pereira’s undoing against a grappler like Khabib. Even a single failed takedown defense could put Pereira in a position where he’s forced to survive rather than thrive—a scenario Ankalaev believes would be inevitable.

Could Pereira’s Striking Ever Overcome Khabib’s Grappling?

While Ankalaev’s arguments are compelling, there’s another side to the story. Pereira’s kickboxing background makes him one of the most dangerous strikers in MMA history. His ability to end fights with a single punch or kick is unparalleled.

However, Ankalaev dismissed the idea that Pereira’s striking could be a game-changer against Khabib. “It’s not about how good your striking is if you can’t keep the fight standing,” he explained. This sentiment echoes a fundamental truth in MMA: the more well-rounded fighter often prevails.

Ankalaev also pointed out that Pereira’s striking wouldn’t be as effective when he’s constantly worried about takedowns. Fighters who face Khabib often become hesitant, knowing that even a small mistake in striking could lead to them being dragged to the mat. Pereira, according to Ankalaev, would likely fall into this same trap.

Final Thoughts: A Hypothetical Match That Sparks Endless Debate

Magomed Ankalaev’s prediction has reignited discussions about dream matchups that will likely never happen. Fans are left to wonder how an all-time great grappler like Khabib would fare against a striking phenom like Pereira.

The debate is fueled by the stark contrast in their fighting styles. Khabib’s wrestling dominance versus Pereira’s devastating striking precision creates a compelling narrative that fans can’t resist dissecting.

Whether you agree with Ankalaev’s analysis or believe Pereira could overcome Khabib’s grappling, one thing is clear: this hypothetical fight would have been a spectacle for the ages. Ankalaev’s comments serve as a reminder of how dynamic and unpredictable the world of MMA truly is.

So, would Khabib truly dominate Pereira, or is Ankalaev underestimating the Brazilian’s ability to adapt? The debate rages on, and for MMA fans, the “what if” scenarios are half the fun.

Magomed Ankalaev believes Khabib Nurmagomedov would easily defeat Alex Pereira, citing Pereira’s lack of wrestling skills.

Ankalaev argues that Pereira has never faced elite grapplers in hard-fought battles, making him vulnerable to someone like Khabib.

The debate over whether striking or wrestling would win in this matchup showcases the beauty of MMA’s unpredictable nature.

This fiery prediction by Ankalaev ensures one thing: even in retirement, Khabib Nurmagomedov remains a central figure in MMA debates. As for Pereira, the criticism of his wrestling continues to be a topic of conversation. Until these two titans ever cross paths (in theory), the MMA community will keep speculating.