Is Alex Pereira in for a rude awakening at UFC 313? The reigning UFC light heavyweight champion is set to take on the surging Magomed Ankalaev on March 8 at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada. The Russian fighter has been on an undefeated streak going back to 2018 and many feel that this might be ‘Poatan’s toughest battle so far.

In a recent post shared on Instagram by Red Corner MMA, Ankalaev’s pre-UFC career was highlighted with the caption, “Ankalaev knockouts before the UFC, a master of the ‘Ground & Pound’”. The highlight reel demonstrated how he controls his opponents, takes them down, and rains down strikes from the top position.

The video may be surprising to some as in his UFC run, Magomed Ankalaev’s victories have largely come either via KO/TKOs at a 55% clip or decisions at a 45% rate, according to Tapology. But Alex Pereira has proven himself against some of the best inside the Octagon. In 2024, he carved out a ‘Fighter of the Year’ resume with three dominant title defenses.

Yet, he still hasn’t faced an opponent who’s willing to test his grappling defense and ability to defend takedowns. A game plan that could be the key for Magomed Ankalaev to walk away from UFC 313 with the belt wrapped around his waist. And if the latest fan reactions are anything to go by, the MMA sphere is seemingly leaning toward Ankalaev in this matchup. Here’s a look at what the netizens had to say.

Magomed Ankalaev’s mastery of ‘ground and pound’ leaves fans concerned for Alex Pereira’s chances at UFC 313 

For some fans, Alex Pereira’s fate is already sealed after watching Magomed Ankalaev’s ferocious ability to finish the fights on the ground. Former ‘champ-champ’ Daniel Cormier echoed similar concerns on a recent episode of ‘The Good Guy/Bad Guy’. Cormier believes that ‘Poatan’ might be traveling too much and not training properly as he shared, “Is Glover just in Australia with him? Is it just him and Plinio [Cruz]? Glover’s the guy, honestly, that should be doing the most work with Alex right now because of [Ankalaev’s] wrestling”

“Pereira is cooked”

Others believe it’s a given that Ankalaev holds the edge when it comes to the wrestling aspect of the fight. His path to victory? Wrestle, control and smash. With an 86% takedown defense and solid top control as evidenced in his highlight reel, Ankalaev has the skills to keep the fight in whatever domain he likes. But will he be able to survive the standup exchanges? What do you think?

“It’s not rocket science. Ankalaev should take Alex down”

Some believe Pereira won’t survive, whether it’s Ankalaev’s ground-and-pound or striking. The Russian powerhouse has showcased brutal finishing ability in both areas. As Ankalaev himself warned in a post on X, “I never wanna hurt someone in my life like I want hurt Alex He is a fake humble boy.”

“pereira take your pick how are you getting slept”

So does he hold the advantage when it comes to striking, too? This fan has made a bold claim, but let’s examine it further. Ankalaev’s striking accuracy (52%) and significant strikes landed per minute (3.64) suggest he’s a dangerous opponent on the feet. His power might not have ‘Poatan’s legendary touch of death, but his technical efficiency could make up for it.

“this guy straight punch is more powerful than Pereira’s left hook”

But not everyone is sold on Ankalaev’s invincibility. Some point to his stance and movement as weaknesses Pereira can exploit. Given Pereira’s lethal calf kicks, this could be a key weapon to slow his opponent down. However, if the takedowns come into play early, the Brazilian may be in for a long night.

“Great fighter, but he is too much flat footed, especially with his lead leg. I think calf kicks will be huge problem for Ank.”

Alex Pereira has faced elite power punchers in both kickboxing and MMA, but the Russian presents a different challenge. An elite grappler who is also capable on the feet. As one fan put it, it looks like a combination dangerous enough to threaten ‘Poatan’s reign atop the light heavyweight division.

“It seems like enough to worry Poatan”

So, is UFC 313 the night Alex Pereira’s reign meets its toughest test? On one side, you have a dominant champion who has torn through elite strikers with surgical precision. On the other, a calculated powerhouse in Magomed Ankalaev, whose mix of wrestling and striking has many fans convinced he’s the kryptonite to ‘Poatan’s’ reign. 

Who do you think walks away with the belt on March 8? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!