Daniel Cormier Confirms Compromised Magomed Ankalaev’s Struggles Leading Up to Alex Pereira Grudge Match

UFC legend Daniel Cormier confirms rib injury that Magomed Ankalaev faced before the Alex Pereira rematch at UFC 320.

Daniel Cormier Confirms Compromised Magomed Ankalaev’s Struggles Leading Up to Alex Pereira Grudge Match

Daniel Cormier confirms Magomed Ankalaev's injury (via MSN, Sports Illustrated)

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Fighters often face unexpected challenges leading up to major bouts, including injuries that can affect their preparation and performance. While athletes train rigorously to maintain peak condition, injuries sometimes occur that test their resilience and adaptability. Daniel Cormier recently confirmed the injury suffered by Magomed Ankalaev before losing the title to Alex Pereira at UFC 320.

Ankalaev faced off against Pereira in their high-stakes rematch at UFC 320. However, he was knocked out by the Brazilian superstar in the first round itself and lost his championship gold. After the fight, Ankalaev’s camp revealed that he entered the fight with a rib injury that had limited his training. It was also revealed that his team advised him to pull out due to the gruesome injury.

Many fans viewed this as an excuse for the Russian’s poor performance in the rematch. They reminded Ankalaev of the trash talk he had done leading up to the rematch and called him out for not backing it up with his performance. Cormier recently took to YouTube and analyzed the UFC 320 main event. However, he also revealed the truth behind Ankalaev’s injury claims.

Magomed Ankalaev did have a rib injury. This is not a lie, this is not an excuse. I know this because prior to the fight, I saw a video of him getting injections into his rib. He was able to hit pads and do cardio essentially for a month and a half before the fight. I don’t know if the result changes if he was healthy because of the way Pereira fought him.

Daniel Cormier via YouTube

The injury limited certain aspects of Ankalaev’s training. Contact drills, grappling, and full sparring sessions were either reduced or omitted entirely to prevent worsening the rib damage. Such restrictions can impact timing, defensive techniques, and overall readiness, demonstrating how physical setbacks influence fight preparation.

Ankalaev looked very different from their first meeting back in April 2025 at UFC 313. The Dagestani native made Pereira look vulnerable in their first fight and edged out a unanimous decision to win the light heavyweight belt. However, the loss to Pereira also put an end to Ankalaev’s undefeated streak that he had maintained from September 2018 by beating some of the top light heavyweights.

While Ankalaev and his team were being doubted, Daniel Cormier’s insight helped provide context for the challenges Ankalaev faced. However, when ‘Poatan’ said he was compromised in the first bout, many did not believe the Brazilian superstar. This is how MMA works in the modern day where excuses are no longer deemed valid at the top of the sport.

Fans react to Daniel Cormier confirming Magomed Ankalaev’s injury

Fans have been buzzing online about the recent bout between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira, with many discussions centered around the fighters’ physical conditions and how injuries affected the matchup. Several fans reminded Daniel Cormier that Pereira also entered their first meeting at UFC 313 carrying injuries and illnesses.

Alex Pereira vs Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320
Alex Pereira vs Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320 (via MMA Fighting)

Other fans speculated about whether Ankalaev’s camp had a potential leak, noting that Pereira seemed to focus on the Russian fighter’s ribs after knocking him down. This led to debates on strategy and preparation, with some suggesting that Pereira’s team may have had insider knowledge of Ankalaev’s injury. Here are some fan reactions to Daniel Cormier’s confirmation of Ankalaev’s injury:

Fans concluded by praising Alex Pereira’s ability to mount a comeback despite the challenges he faced. They also praised him for replying to Magomed Ankalaev’s jabs at his early life in the Octagon. Many highlighted his skill, adaptability, and mental toughness, emphasizing how he overcame adversity during the fight and demonstrated why he remains one of the most formidable competitors in the division.

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