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Media Movsar Evloev: Magomed Ankalaev Can Beat Alex Pereira Without Wrestling

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🗿🤼‍♂️ Movsar Evloev doesn't think that Magomed Ankalaev needs to wrestle to beat Alex Pereira this weekend.

He also added about Pereira:
"Pereira doesn't defend himself very well. He just believes in his power."
🎥 @Home_of_Fight pic.twitter.com/NzoFWJYI0j

— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) March 3, 2025


Movsar Evloev has a bold prediction for the upcoming title fight between Alex Pereira (12-2) and Magomed Ankalaev (19-1).

Ankalaev challenges Pereira for the light heavyweight title in the main event at UFC 313 on Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Many expect Ankalaev’s wrestling to pose the biggest threat to knockout artist Pereira. However, Evloev believes Ankalaev doesn’t have to wrestle to beat the former Glory Kickboxing champ. According to Evloev, Pereira’s striking defense has enough holes for Ankalaev to exploit and get the win.

“Even if [Ankalaev] do not use his wrestling, I think he have enough skills in striking to beat [Pereira]. Ankalaev is good enough to beat this guy,” Evloev told Home of Fight. “And Pereira usually [does] not defend himself very well. Just believe in his power and he just go through. But Ankalaev is different. He [has] high-level skillset. Big experience [in] amateur MMA, and he’s a monster in professional MMA.”

Pereira has proven knockout power in his hands, with seven of his nine UFC wins coming via knockout. “Poatan” won the title against Jiri Prochazka in November 2023 and has since defended it three times within the span of a year.

Meanwhile, Ankalaev has also displayed impressive striking to go with his elite wrestling skillset. The Russian has finished six of his 11 UFC wins so far, all of them via knockout.



 
For what it's worth it think Ankalaev is a little more "well rounded". I think Alex needs to stick to striking and the defensive grappling will come naturally. If he gets too freaked out at the takedown attempt his striking will lack. Alex strikes me as fearless though

Ank has been in the game for a long time. He's crushed the 10-15 types but to me he doesn't look incredible against the best. With Jan B as a common opponent it seems Alex has the edge

I don't see Alex losing. And I don't see wrestling being a giant factor. We need to stop treating Ankalaiev like a boogeyman. But if he is it's now or never
 
Coming from a guy who can’t even finish a grilled cheese sandwich I’m calling cap on bro.

Ank needs to mix it up to win this fight.

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