- Magomed Ankalaev is very confident about stopping Alex Pereira in their potential title fight
- The Russian believes “Poatan” is an overrated striker
Magomed Ankalaev is certain about finishing Alex Pereira and proving that the Brazilian’s striking is just overrated.
Going for the hunt
Speaking to Submission Radio, Ankalaev confidently stated that he will be Pereira’s next title challenger and the fight will soon be announced. The Russian also claimed that he could either sleep or submit “Poatan,” whom he accused of having an “overrated” striking.
“We have been waiting for this moment for so long. I think this fight will be confirmed soon and you will see a new champion,” Ankalaev began.
“I’m really going to hunt for him and finish this fight… first of all I want to win this fight. I think this fight will not last long. There will be an iron stop or submission, I don’t think the fight will last long anyway… Just his punch is too overrated. He has a standard left hook punch, I don’t see anything in his striking technique,” he added.
Jones vs. Pereira is just for hype
Magomed is also not convinced that the UFC will book Pereira against reigning heavyweight champion Jon Jones. For the Dagestani fighter, it’s just the promotion’s way of drawing more interest and attention.
“It’s for hype. as we understand Jon Jones is a universal fighter. He is the same dangerous striker who has grappling too. I don’t know if UFC will put him there. It’s just for the sake of hype,” Ankalaev said.
Pereira has recently addressed his next move. As per “Poatan,” he is not facing Tom Aspinall if ever he moves up to heavyweight. Moreover, Pereira insists that he is focused on defending his light heavyweight title possibly before the year ends.
On the other hand, Ankalaev is coming off a KO win over Johnny Walker and is currently the No. 2 contender in the light heavyweight division.
Watch Ankalaev’s full interview below:
