Media Magomed Ankalaev's thoughts on Pereira rematch and super fight with Chimaev

[Unheralded Truth]

How do you look at this rematch? How do you think it will go?

- Well, I think the rematch will be a lot easier than our first fight. Since statistics tell me that it's usually the case in rematches. Going after me is a dangerous
thing, and I think that we will prove that, how it's simply not worth it to seek out a rematch with me to adjust things.

What we have seen on video is that Pereira is obviously drilling wrestling and getting back to the feet very hard.

- Yes, and it's quite possible that I won't focus on that. Maybe he's doing this all in vain. Well, let him do it, let him be as ready as can be. I actually want him
to come in here at a 100% in his approach. So there won't be any questionmarks regarding the outcome. I don't want to hear talk like last time about how
he wasn't really ready or things not getting fully done. I want him to be in great shape so that after our fight he has no excuses.

How did you like Khamzat Chimaev's performance? He's now the 84 kg champion.

- Yes, Khamzat, I congratulate him on this victory. He proved and showed how powerful he is. That he can dominate an athletic man for 5 rounds
in a fight. I know it's not an easy thing to do, so he deserved it.

If Khamzat decided to try on 93 kg, would you allow for such a fight and face him?

- Well, I'm staying still in this division. If anyone wants to step up and test me for the belt, I say "welcome!" No problem, if he moves up he does. No problem.

 

[Pequeño Corey]

That's a terrible match for hamsa imo.

 

[Takes Two To Tango]

Ankalaev is very big dude, It would be interesting how Khamzat handles him. If he does take him down at will, than Khamzat is an absolute beast of a man.

 

[Why did you]

Ankalaev would win . he can defend the takedowns good enough to stay on the feet long enough to damage chimaev

 

[Hotora86]

No surprise at all.
Ready for anyone.

 

[Skarsgard]

Man, we're getting really generous with the term "super fight" these days.

 

[cade187]

Man, we're getting really generous with the term "super fight" these days.

Champions from two different weight classes fighting each other, that’s practically the definition of a super fight.

 

[AL-Tappo McSnappo]

Fun fight

 

[VinceArch]

Stop with the 'super fight' talk. Just focus on defending the belt like an actual champion. That's why the GSP/Anderson talk got so much traction, because both guys were long term champions.

 

[Skarsgard]

Champions from two different weight classes fighting each other, that’s practically the definition of a super fight.

Two champs that won in underwhelming fashion with zero defenses.
GSP vs Penn were both arguable GOATs in their divisions and had history. That was a super fight with or without the belts. This fight would barely be main card worthy without them.

 

[don't ask]

Champions from two different weight classes fighting each other, that’s practically the definition of a super fight.

There's only ever been one superfight:

 

[PeterGriffin]

Oddly enough, I think I think Magomed has a much easier time with Khamzat that he does a 100% healthy Pereira in their rematch. I do love how Ankalaev wants the tough fights and will take on all comers, he'll make a fine champ. It doesn't look like Dana's entertaining the ideas of double champs anymore, so if Alex is set on HW, regaining the LHW title is almost like a speedbump. Still can't wait to see the rematch though.

 

[Black0ut]

if the guys don’t have atleast a title defense each, I’d say a “super fight” title is unwarranted.

 

[Istryker]

Would rather Ank fight big Tom tbh!

 

[KO Shotz]

Ankalaev is the only guy I see giving Khamzat issues right now.

 

[bng]

GOATzat makes UncleAEW cry again

 

[Frode Falch]

Man, we're getting really generous with the term "super fight" these days.

Haha so true

 

[World eater]

Spoken lika a true champion - self confident and doesn’t give a f who is standing across the cage. Religion, nationality, friendship… doesn’t matter, this is his job. Well done.


P.S.
Still rooting for Pereira

 

[Harlekin]

Khamzat can't wrestle him, can't strike with him.
No chance he takes that fight.

Chimaev was knocked down and also hurt by former lightweight Giblert Burns.

Pereira is old, Ank still improving. We know how this works out 9 out of 10

 

[Tweak896]

I know it's earlier on, but Craig and Krylov got Ank down. Jan didn't even shoot for a takedown. Rakic went for 1 TD. He's fought Walker 2x, Thiago Santos, Smith, Pereira, Oezdimir, Ion Cutelaba 2x. I'd say that's a gauntlet of strikers. I would hope after DDP, people don't continue with giving imaginary skills for grappling while they've been performing against strikers.

Khamzat has a real chance in this matchup. He for sure needs to clear the smoke up in the MW division (Caio, RDR, Fluffy, Imavov) and make sure those guys aren't still in line. But just a fight ago people were saying how overrated Ankalaev's grappling was. It's still probably leagues above the LHW division, but I would think Khamzat would control Ank better than Craig or Krylov. Honestly no one else will test a Ankalaev's TDD and grappling defense at LHW besides Khamzat.

Still hope Khamzat can make 170lbs one more time and we get Khamzat/Islam for WW belt instead, but this fight makes sense down the road.