Magomed Ankalaev Claims He Will End Alex Pereira in the 2nd Round: “This Will Be a One-Sided Fight, I’ll Just Wrestle and It’ll Be Over”

Ahead of UFC 313’s highly anticipated light heavyweight title clash this Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Magomed Ankalaev has issued a bold prediction, claiming he will finish champion Alex “Poatan” Pereira in the second round. In a fiery interview with *UFC Russia* aired Thursday, the 32-year-old Dagestani contender, sporting a 20-1-1 record, dismissed Pereira’s striking prowess, asserting, “This will be a one-sided fight. I’ll just wrestle, take him down, and it’ll be over.” The confident declaration, shared on X and already garnering over 2 million views under #AnkalaevPrediction, has intensified the buildup to their showdown, sparking debates among fans and analysts.

Ankalaev, riding a 13-fight unbeaten streak with a recent unanimous decision win over Aleksandar Rakic, plans to exploit his elite Greco-Roman wrestling to neutralize Pereira’s knockout power. “Poatan’s kicks and punches are dangerous, but once I get him on the ground, he’s finished,” Ankalaev said, referencing Pereira’s limited grappling experience despite improvements under coach Glover Teixeira. The challenger’s strategy hinges on controlling the fight’s pace, a tactic that contrasts sharply with Pereira’s 12-2 record, including five consecutive knockouts in the light heavyweight division since 2023.

Pereira, the 37-year-old Brazilian champion, has yet to respond directly, but his camp remains unfazed. Trainer Jason Parillo told *MMA Junkie*, “Magomed talks a big game, but Alex has faced wrestlers before and adapted. This won’t be one-sided.” Pereira’s leg kicks and counter-striking, showcased in knockouts of Jamahal Hill and Jiri Prochazka, pose a significant threat if Ankalaev fails to impose his game plan.

Reactions on X are polarized, with #AnkalaevPrediction trending. “Ankalaev’s wrestling could smother Poatan—second-round finish incoming!” tweeted @MMAPundit2025, while @PereiraNation countered, “Poatan will knock him out standing before Magomed even touches the mat.” Analysts suggest Ankalaev’s confidence may hinge on early dominance, but Pereira’s durability and power could turn the tide if the fight stays upright.

As UFC 313 nears, Ankalaev’s bold claim sets the stage for a defining moment in the light heavyweight division. Will his wrestling end Pereira’s reign, or will the champion’s striking prevail? Stay tuned on X for live updates.