Is Alex Pereira Messing with Magomed Ankalaev A Psychological Game or a Master Strategy
Speculation is growing that Alex Pereira might be deliberately stalling his bout with Magomed Ankalaev. While the spotlight has been on Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall, a potential clash between Pereira and Ankalaev remains highly anticipated yet seemingly far from reality.
Despite not facing the top-ranked Ankalaev yet, Pereira continues to enjoy strong fan support. In 2024, the Brazilian star fought and won three consecutive matches, reinforcing his dominance. This success has sparked debates such as, “Pereira doesn’t need Ankalaev,” and “Alex has earned the right to choose his opponents.”
Alex Pereira’s Psychological Game
According to commentator Joe Rogan, Pereira might be employing psychological tactics to frustrate his opponent:
“He (Pereira) is probably thinking, ‘Let him wait.’ Pereira recently announced he’d fight in March, but Ankalaev won’t be the opponent. If that’s true, when does Ramadan fall? Ankalaev can’t fight in March; he has to go through Ramadan first to prepare for a title match. From February 28 to March 29, that’s the exact window Pereira plans to fight.”
Ramadan, a holy month for Muslims, requires fasting from sunrise to sunset, which significantly affects a fighter’s preparation. Many Muslim fighters, therefore, avoid competing during this period, making March an inconvenient time for Ankalaev.
Can Ankalaev Strike Back?
While Pereira appears relaxed, Ankalaev and his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, are far from passive. Abdelaziz stated:
“Alex Pereira is a true killer. But sooner or later, he and Ankalaev will have to face each other. This is the UFC – where the best always fight the best. Politics don’t play much of a role here.”
If the fight happens, Ankalaev has promised to deliver an unforgettable performance. The Dagestani fighter confidently declared:
“I won’t wrestle with him. I’ll knock Alex Pereira out and prove that Izzy’s striking doesn’t even come close to my level.”
The Biggest Challenge for Ankalaev
While Pereira seems to be controlling the narrative, the pressure is on Ankalaev to prove his worth. Facing one of the most fearsome knockout artists in the UFC, Ankalaev’s greatest challenge will be delivering on his words: taking Pereira down with striking alone.
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“Is Alex Pereira playing mind games or just testing Magomed Ankalaev’s patience? Discover how these UFC stars are shaking the MMA world!”
What’s Next for UFC Fans?
The brewing tension between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev has left UFC fans on edge. While Pereira enjoys his moment of dominance and strategic control, Ankalaev faces a test of patience and preparation. Could this psychological game delay the inevitable, or is Pereira’s timing a masterstroke to secure the upper hand?
UFC thrives on unpredictability, and this fight embodies just that. Fans are eagerly awaiting confirmation, but the question remains: Will Ankalaev overcome Pereira’s mind games and rise to the challenge? Or will Pereira’s calculated moves extend his reign as a feared UFC knockout artist?
