When we talk about MMA fighters from Dagestan, the thought that usually comes to mind is their prowess in the ground game. But there are a select few who operate mostly as strikers, and some of them are a mix of both, which is the category where light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev falls. The 33-year-old, much like Islam Makhachev, has a combat sambo and freestyle wrestling background, but has developed into a complete fighter, giving former champion Alex Pereira a run for his money at UFC 313.

Indeed, ‘Poatan’ found himself overpowered and overwhelmed in his own arena, the striking department. Magomed Ankalaev scored a decisive victory, leaving fans eager to see how Alex Pereira will strategize to take down the Dagestan fighter in their upcoming rematch this October. Former UFC champion and legend Tito Ortiz asserts that the Brazilian star must sharpen his wrestling skills and get his game in order.

“[Alex] Pereira needs to make sure that he defends the takedowns. I think this is going to be more of a wrestling match,” Tito Ortiz told Helen Yee Sports during a recent interview. The legend is of the belief that Magomed Ankalaev has shown enough when it comes to how good his striking is in the first fight. Ortiz has advised Alex Pereira to watch out this time because the champion could switch his game plan and make their UFC 320 rematch more wrestling-oriented.

“I think so, just because that Russian [Magomed Ankalaev], he wanted to test his skills on his feet, and he showed that he could punch with them,” Tito Ortiz added. “And I think Alex can think he’s going to do the same thing, and I think he’s actually going to wrestle him this time. That’s just me. That’s just my opinion.”

One of the reasons why Tito Ortiz has suggested Alex Pereira change his game plan to focus more on wrestling comes down to the longevity of his career. Standing and banging have their own consequences, as they affect the body in the long run. Meanwhile, wrestling decreases the chances of getting hit too often, which is not wrong when it comes to Pereira, as he’s nearing 40 years of age. “I mean, that would be the smartest thing. I mean, if you have longevity in the sport to sit there and stand toe-to-toe the whole time, your longevity is not going to last a long time,” the UFC legend added.

Well, things have turned out after Alex Pereira dropped the 205lbs title after a dominant run as the champion for over a year. And guess what? Things are looking in favor of Magomed Ankalaev ahead of his rematch against ‘Poatan’. Let’s take a look at that front.

Oddsmakers have Alex Pereira listed as the underdog

Leading up to UFC 313, fans speculated that Alex Pereira might relinquish the title, a prediction that ultimately came true. However, the odds were stacked in favor of the Brazilian fighter before the bout. The former champion charged into UFC 313 as the -122 favorite, riding a relentless wave of dominance as the light heavyweight champion. This time, the Dagestan native holds the power to make the next move.

After Dana White announced that the rematch would take place in the first PPV of October this year, preliminary odds surfaced on the internet. Betting websites now list Magomed Ankalaev as the clear favorite, with odds set at -180. As UFC 320 approaches, Alex Pereira finds himself with odds of +150, stepping into the ring as the underdog.

Fortunes can shift in a heartbeat in MMA, so the real question is – Will Alex Pereira reclaim his luck at UFC 320? Following his commanding victory last time, Magomed Ankalaev’s confidence must be soaring. What are your thoughts on the upcoming rematch? Share your thoughts in the comments below.