Francis Ngannou’s Dirty Play Against Top UFC Title Contender Gets Exposed

Magomed Ankalaev, widely regarded as the #1 contender for the UFC light heavyweight title, has been tirelessly campaigning for his shot at reigning champion Alex Pereira. Despite Ankalaev’s sterling record and formidable skill set, Pereira has shown little interest in accepting the challenge. This stalemate has left Ankalaev frustrated as he fights to earn the opportunity he deserves.

However, recent revelations from a sparring session with former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou have reignited interest in Ankalaev’s journey to the top. What really happened when these two titans trained together? Let’s break it down.

A Sparring Session Turned Intense

Magomed Ankalaev recently shared details about an unforgettable sparring session with Francis Ngannou. Known as “The Predator,” Ngannou’s legendary knockout power has left an indelible mark on the MMA world. Of his 12 UFC wins, 10 have come via knockout. This ferocity made the training session anything but routine for Ankalaev.

Initially, Ankalaev was brought in to help Ngannou refine his wrestling. However, things took an unexpected turn when Ngannou, instead of sticking to the plan, aggressively pursued a knockout. Ankalaev revealed in a conversation with Aslanbek Badaev that Ngannou’s relentless approach was fueled by a personal grudge. “We later found out the reason. Ngannou is friends with Dalcha Lungiambula, whom I had previously knocked out,” Ankalaev said.

This revelation came to light through a resurfaced post on MMA Uncensored Plus, where Ankalaev recounted how Ngannou’s attempts to land a knockout punch created one of the most intense moments of his career.

The Grudge That Sparked the Fire

The roots of Ngannou’s aggression trace back to Ankalaev’s stunning 2019 knockout of Dalcha Lungiambula with a devastating front kick. This spectacular victory not only elevated Ankalaev’s status in the UFC but also seemed to ignite a desire for retribution in Lungiambula’s friend, Ngannou.

Despite the tension, the sparring session ended on a respectful note, with both fighters resolving their differences. Today, Ngannou and Ankalaev maintain a cordial relationship. However, while Ngannou’s animosity has cooled, Ankalaev’s rivalry with Alex Pereira remains fiery and unresolved.

The Challenge Ahead: Ankalaev vs. Pereira

Ankalaev has made no secret of his belief that he can dethrone Alex Pereira, the current light heavyweight champion. However, not everyone is convinced of Ankalaev’s ability to overcome Pereira’s elite striking. Jan Blachowicz, a former champion and veteran of the division, is among the skeptics.

In a recent interview with James Lynch of Home of Fight, Blachowicz shared his doubts about Ankalaev’s chances. “If Ankalaev fights like he did against (Aleksandar) Rakic, he’s going to lose. He’s good, but his style might not be enough to neutralize Pereira’s striking,” Blachowicz said. He emphasized that Ankalaev must adapt and elevate his game if he hopes to compete with Pereira.

The Intriguing Clash of Styles A potential bout between Ankalaev and Pereira would pit two contrasting styles against each other. Ankalaev’s calculated, methodical approach would be tested against Pereira’s explosive striking and knockout power. Blachowicz, having faced both fighters, offers unique insight into the dynamics of this matchup, making his assessment all the more compelling.

A Battle Fans Can’t Wait For

As fans eagerly anticipate news of a possible showdown, the question looms: Can Magomed Ankalaev adapt his wrestling-heavy game plan to counter Alex Pereira’s striking dominance? Or will Pereira continue his reign with yet another emphatic victory?

This high-stakes clash has the potential to reshape the UFC’s light heavyweight division. Until then, the debate rages on. What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!