UFC Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is not impressed with Alex Pereira’s wrestling skills. He is rather putting his weight behind fellow Dagestani fighter Magomed Ankalaev. Now, Potan claps back at Islam and Ankalaev. Could this be the beginning of a rivalry between the light heavyweight champion and one of the most sought after new contenders in the division?
Alex Pereira Reacts to Islam’s Comments
During the press event of UFC 303, DC showed the video of Islam’s lukewarm reaction to Pereira’s fighting style and him(Islam) claiming that Ankalaev is better.
Alex responded: “It’s not my fault that some guys take longer to learn. Makhachev maybe took way longer to learn wrestling… you gotta accept that I’m different.”
Alex Pereira vs Ankalaev in the UFC
Pereira, a former kickboxing world champion comes from a striking background. However, he is well trained in wrestling and have on many occasions shown his skills on the ground.
In a light moment, he even wrestled with former LHW and HW champion Daniel Cormier.
However, his forte remains striking. And Ankalaev (who comes from Dagestan, area well known for producing some of the best wrestlers in the world) could be a tough nut to crack.