The much-anticipated bout between Johnny Walker and Magomed Ankalaev has finally concluded, with the Russian clinching victory against the Brazilian in the second round. Ankalaev’s knockout punch was truly a spectacle, and in the heat of the moment, the fighter passionately called for a title shot. This demand caught the attention of Team Pereira.

Alex Pereira‘s coach and former light heavyweight champion, Glover Texeira took to social media to congratulate Ankalaev and asserted that they would meet in the octagon soon. However, Ankalaev seems to go on a different route and a harsh one. So what did Ankalaev say about Pereira? Let us find out.

Magomed Ankalaev’s cacti remark on Alex Pereira

Magomed Ankalaev is ranked #3 in the UFC’s light heavyweight division and this victory might be his ticket to the gold. At the post-fight press conference, Ankalaev was inquired about his opinion on Texeira’s tweet. The Russian remained unfazed and claimed that he would obliterate Pereira if they ever crossed paths on the octagon.

Ankalaev explained that Pereira seriously lacks any ground game and mainly focuses on striking. The fighter further added that he could have wrestled with Walker but he didn’t because he wanted to send a message to Pereira and his team. “You know, I could have come out here today, wrestled Johnny Walker, and taken him down right away. I could have won with my ground and pounded on the ground. But instead, I wanted to send a message. I wanted to stand up, and I wanted to knock him out. And that’s what I did. Said Ankalaev.

In the end, Ankalaev issued a reply to Texeira “Now, for Glover Teixeira, I have a message: don’t waste your time trying to teach your student how to wrestle and grapple. He’s not gonna need it. I’m gonna come out there, and I’m gonna stand across from him. I know he’s been knocked out before as a middleweight, so imagine what’s gonna happen if I meet him in a light heavyweight. Trust me, he’s not gonna feel comfortable there.” Ankalaev’s assessment of Pereira might hold some truth considering the fact that he rarely fights on the ground.

Does Pereira have a weak ground game?

Pereira’s ͏journey in the Octagon has been marked by a ͏lack of success in securing takedowns or attempting submissions. On the defensive end, Pereira showcases some gaps in ͏his experience, having been taken down multiple times, especially when caught standing too tall to defend against double-leg takedowns. While his͏ sprawl is commendable, ‘Poatan’ often relies on hi͏s size and stre͏ngth to thwart takedown attempts, opting to power his way out.

While͏ this strategy capitalizes͏ on his physic͏al prowess, it also means he frequently turns his back and stands up to regain his footing after conceding a takedown. Acknowledging͏ Pereira’s relative newness to MMA, it’s es͏senti͏al to note that ͏training with Glover Teixeira, although beneficial, isn’t a magical solution.

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Examining his past performances, it becomes apparent that a dedicated ground specialist could pose significant challenges for him. Pereira’s skill set, while evolving, may encounter difficulties against a seasoned grappler who specializes in exploiting vulnerabilities on the ground.

Read More: “We Will See U” – Alex Pereira’s Coach Responds as Magomed Ankalaev Demands a Shot at the Title After Breaking Johnny Walker’s Face at UFC Vegas 84