(Exclusive) Alex Pereira’s major worry despite facing ‘Murderer’s row’ ahead of UFC 313 explained by contender Tuco Tokkos

Tuco Tokkos warns light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira about the wrestling threat he will likely face at UFC 313.

(Exclusive) Alex Pereira’s major worry despite facing ‘Murderer’s row’ ahead of UFC 313 explained by contender Tuco Tokkos

Alex Pereira alerted by Tuco Tokkos about wrestling threat (Image via MMA Fighting/UFC.com)

The UFC 313 main event title fight featuring Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev remains one of the most anticipated bouts of the year. If victorious, ‘Poatan’ will clear out the light heavyweight division in less than two years of his championship reign. So far, Pereira has not faced any grappling threats in the 205-pound division.

UFC light heavyweight fighter Tuco Tokkos recently spoke with Garrett Kerman (The Fight Analyst) in an exclusive FirstSportz interview. Touching upon the title fight between Poatan and Ankalaev, Tokkos promised that the Russian fighter would grapple at UFC 313. Thereby, he considers Ankalaev a real test for Pereira despite having faced Jamahal Hill, Jiri Prochazka, and Khalil Rountree.

Like, no-one’s really tried to wrestle Pereira yet. He fought Hill, he fought Jiri, he fought Izzy. Like, but now he’s fighting someone who’s 100% gonna wrestle, you know?… I don’t know, man. Either he catches this guy, which I don’t know if he will, or he gets wrestle-f*cked. You know, we’re going to see. We’re going to see.

Tuco Tokkos to Garrett Kerman in Exclusive FirstSportz interview
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Tokkos acknowledged Pereira’s striking prowess but remained skeptical about his ground game. So far, Pereira has struggled whenever the fight hits the ground. Israel Adesanya and Jan Blachowicz found considerable success against Pereira, and neither is known for their wrestling expertise. As such, someone like Ankalaev with a wrestling background can definitely threaten the champion.

Tokkos leans toward the Russian fighter because of his ability to wrestle at will. Ankalaev has promised to end Pereira’s title reign and may have the best chance among other light heavyweight fighters. Meanwhile, Tokkos has a must-win bout in May that will have implications for his future in the promotion.

Tuco Tokkos gets real about facing Junior Tafa in May

Tuco Tokkos, facing a crucial bout against Junior Tafa on May 3rd, exuded a focused intensity in a recent interview with The Fight Analyst for FirstSportz. The fighter is in a must-win position after losing his last two fights.

Tuco Tokkos fights Junior Tafa next
Tuco Tokkos fights Junior Tafa next (Image via UFC.com/X)

With his back against the wall, Tokkos detailed his preparation, his thoughts on the light heavyweight division, and his unwavering game plan. Ultimately, Tokkos’ focus remains on his own fight. When asked how he envisions the Tafa bout playing out, he delivered a straightforward and emphatic response.

Punch him in the face until the fight’s over. Just get in his face, take away his range, punch him in the face, take him down, punch him in the face, punch him in the face, punch him in the face until the fight’s over. You know?

Tuco Tokkos to Garrett Kerman in Exclusive FirstSportz interview

This relentless approach, coupled with his enhanced preparation, painted a clear picture of Tokkos’s determination to secure a victory on May 3rd. The event is rumored to take place in Iowa. It remains to be seen what happens when Tafa and Tokkos collide inside the octagon. Considering the styles involved, a stunning knockout is indeed expected.

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