Alex Pereira Underdog or Undeniable Knockout King Ankalaev’s Ground Game Won’t Stop This Beast

Alex Pereira’s journey to the top of combat sports has been nothing short of extraordinary. Known for his devastating knockout power and his ability to impose his will in striking battles, Pereira has quickly become one of the most feared names in mixed martial arts (MMA). But when we look ahead to a potential matchup against Magomed Ankalaev, many fans and experts are questioning whether Pereira should be seen as the underdog. Let’s dive into why this narrative might not hold up.

The Rise of Alex Pereira: The King of Knockouts

From kickboxing to MMA, Alex Pereira’s path to stardom has been dominated by his devastating striking ability. A two-time glory middleweight champion, Pereira’s claim to fame is his iconic knockout over Israel Adesanya, a victory that skyrocketed him to the upper echelons of UFC stardom. His ability to deliver powerful hooks and precision strikes has made him a dangerous competitor in the UFC’s middleweight division.

Yet, despite his undeniable striking prowess, questions about his grappling and overall fight IQ persist. His vulnerability on the ground remains a concern, with several fans speculating that someone like Ankalaev could exploit those weaknesses.

Magomed Ankalaev: A Rising Star with Superior Ground Game

Magomed Ankalaev has quietly made his mark on the UFC’s light heavyweight division, boasting an undefeated streak that highlights his impressive, well-rounded skill set. His striking has improved remarkably over the years, with his footwork, accuracy, and ability to read his opponents’ movements becoming more refined. However, what truly sets Ankalaev apart is his grappling.

Ankalaev’s ground game is a major advantage in any matchup, and it could be the deciding factor in a fight with Pereira. His wrestling is sharp, and his ability to take opponents down and maintain dominant positions makes him a force to be reckoned with, especially against a striker like Pereira, who may not have the same level of defense in the grappling department.

An Underdog Narrative? The Case for Alex Pereira

Despite the praise heaped on Ankalaev’s wrestling and ground game, Pereira is not one to be underestimated. His elite striking could give Ankalaev fits on the feet. Pereira’s knockout power and his ability to land clean, destructive blows are just some of the elements that could make him a dangerous threat for Ankalaev.

In a striking exchange, Pereira’s chances of landing a fight-ending blow are certainly not slim. His proficiency in controlling distance and cutting off the cage could frustrate Ankalaev’s usual rhythm. Moreover, Pereira’s experience in high-pressure situations, including his knockout victory over Adesanya, shows that he is mentally tough and capable of overcoming adversity.

Analyzing the Fight: Will Pereira’s Striking Be Enough?

The key question for Alex Pereira in this matchup will be whether his striking can nullify Ankalaev’s wrestling. While Pereira has developed his takedown defense, his grappling remains the most significant weakness in his game. Ankalaev’s ability to implement his wrestling could be the determining factor, but Pereira’s impressive knockout streak suggests that he has the tools to land a punch that could turn the tide of the fight.

If Pereira can keep the fight standing, his chances of victory increase significantly. But if Ankalaev manages to implement his ground game, Pereira could find himself in a position where his striking is no longer a factor.

Conclusion: Is Pereira Really the Underdog?

So, should Alex Pereira be considered the underdog against Magomed Ankalaev? While Ankalaev’s ground game certainly poses a serious threat, Pereira’s striking is as dangerous as any in the UFC, and his ability to finish fights quickly makes him a formidable opponent. Underdog or not, Pereira’s power and experience in the fight game make him a dangerous opponent for anyone.

As fans await the showdown, one thing is certain: Alex Pereira’s knockout power makes him far from being an easy target, and labeling him as an underdog might be more about speculation than reality. Don’t count Pereira out just yet; in MMA, anything can happen—and it often does with fighters like him.