Magomed Ankalaev accuses Alex Pereira of ‘running away’ after fans express disappointment over UFC 313 main event

Newly crowned UFC light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev blames Alex Pereira for running away the whole fight at UFC 313.

Magomed Ankalaev accuses Alex Pereira of ‘running away’ after fans express disappointment over UFC 313 main event

Magomed Ankalaev mocks Alex Pereira for being scared to trade punches (via X)

Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira locked horns last night with the light heavyweight title on the line. The Russian managed to shock everybody by becoming the new champion via unanimous decision. While the fight was extremely competitive, the challenger does have complaints about Pereira.

It was expected that Magomed Ankalaev‘s wrestling would cause trouble for the Brazilian, but that wasn’t the case. ‘Poatan’ was able to defend every single takedown but was not active in the striking department. After the fight, the new champion didn’t forget to rub it off on Pereira.

He (Pereira) was saying he wasn’t sure why the victory was given to me…Listen. I’m happy for a rematch, but maybe in the rematch he can fight for real, not just run away the entire time.

Magomed Ankalaev via UFC 313 post-fight presser 
YouTube video

Unlike most of his fights where Pereira likes to take the charge, he was put on the backfoot by Ankalaev. Most of the fight, the Brazilian was on the move trying to evade the challenger and connect his shots. He was able to find some success, but ultimately it wasn’t enough.

FS Video

However, many fans complained that it was robbery and now want a rematch. UFC CEO Dana White was also disappointed to lose his golden goose and backed the idea of an immediate rematch. While many believed it was a bad performance from the Brazilian, some find it opposite.

UFC veteran believes Alex Pereira showed his best performance ever 

Alex Pereira has been dominating the UFC light heavyweight division for some time now. He has stayed active and knocked out all three of his title contenders last year. His fighting IQ along with the ungodly power made him invincible, but Magomed Ankalaev had the perfect plan.

Magomed Ankalaev beats Alex Pereira at if you 313
Magomed Ankalaev beats Alex Pereira at if you 313 (via Instagram)

The challenger was able to mix it up and change levels throughout the fight. Pereira has to compete with the Russian’s striking while being aware of the wrestling threat. Overall, he did a great job and UFC veteran Chael Sonnen was highly impressed by it. 

I thought Pereira fought the best fight I have ever seen him fight. I thought he showed more skills. Getting off the fence, staying on his feet, shutting Ankalaev’s down. He wasn’t quite able to find his target.

Chael Sonnen via ESPN MMA 
YouTube video

Pereira is determined despite his recent setback and is focused on working hard to earn his redemption. Whether the UFC grants him an immediate rematch or charts a different path for him remains to be seen. Regardless, the loss doesn’t seem to have diminished Pereira’s global stardom.

Related: UFC Top 5 ‘Knockouts of the Year’ 2024