Alex Pereira’s fun Australian tour worries UFC legend ahead of Dagestani wrestling test

UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira is preparing for his fourth title defense, where he will face Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313.

Alex Pereira’s fun Australian tour worries UFC legend ahead of Dagestani wrestling test

Alex Pereira's leisure activities in Australia catches everyone's attention (Image via Imago/Instagram)

Ahead of the scheduled fight week, the fighters competing in the event often spend the majority of their time training. However, unlike most of the UFC superstars, the current light heavyweight champion has a different approach. Alex Pereira is set to face Magomed Ankalaev in the headliner fight of UFC 313 next month.

A few days ago, UFC light heavyweight champion Alex ‘Poatan’ Pereira was spotted at a concert with Canadian rapper Drake in Australia. Following the event, the Brazilian MMA fighter faced considerable scrutiny. Among the critics was UFC legend Daniel Cormier, who shared his insights on the situation. Notably, the UFC Hall of Famer revealed his concerns as Pereira is nowhere seen around training mats.

Now, my concern level is even higher. This dude was seen in Australia last week still and he was shaking the hand of Drake as Drake went on stage for his concert… What is Pereira still doing in Australia, Chael? He fights in two weeks!… Ankalaev’s already here, he’s in Vegas, I ran into him at the UFC PI last week. He is honestly so locked in, ready to win this fight against Alex Pereira.

Daniel Cormier via ESPN MMA

One of the reasons Pereira visited Australia was his obligation as a friend. Notably, the UFC light heavyweight champion served as a cornerman for his friend Sean Strickland at UFC 312. During this visit, Pereira created a considerable buzz. Interestingly, the Brazilian superstar even shared a great moment by sitting and taking pictures with one of his former rivals, Israel Adesanya.

One of the reasons for Cormier raising concern as Pereira faces a formidable challenge in the division. Magomed Ankalaev, known for his Dagestani MMA lineage, boasts an impressive wrestling background. Meanwhile, the UFC light heavyweight champion appears unfazed by this threat, confidently relying on his MMA skills to outclass Ankalaev.

‘Confident’ Alex Pereira wants to ‘make fun’ of Magomed Ankalaev

Since his promotional debut, Alex ‘Poatan’ Pereira has remained a dominating force in the UFC. Notably, he even reigned as the UFC middleweight champion for a brief period. This was during his heated rivalry with Israel Adesanya. Interestingly, the Brazilian fighter shares a similar animosity toward his upcoming opponent, Magomed Ankalaev.

Alex Pereira has a message for Magomed Ankalaev
Alex Pereira has a message for Magomed Ankalaev (Image via Imago)

Both Pereira and Ankalaev had been exchanging verbal jabs and harsh comments for a long time. Notably, the Dagestani fighter has repeatedly stated that he does not consider ‘Poatan’ to be the true champion of the division. Mainly, it was Ankalaev who directed brutal insults at the light heavyweight champion. Consequently, Pereira aims to teach the contender a valuable lesson in their upcoming clash.

If [Ankalaev] doesn’t back up what he says, people have already seen me making fun of my other opponents. Sometimes I joke and stuff, but this is the guy I’m really going to make fun of.

Alex Pereira via The Ariel Helwani Show

Despite concerns and speculation about Pereira not committing to training sessions, Ankalaev is diligently training. Interestingly, the Dagestani fighter has even enlisted heavyweight Russian UFC fighter Alexander Volkov. With this, Ankalaev seems to be aiming to enhance his striking skills just weeks before his championship fight at UFC 313.

Related: Alex Pereira Fight Record: How many defeats does “Poatan” have in his career?