UFC 320 – Magomed Ankalaev vs Alex Pereira: Preview & Betting Tips
Seven months after their first clash at UFC 313, Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira meet once again with the UFC light-heavyweight title still on the line.
Ankalaev (21-1-1, 1 NC) stunned a lot of fans by outclassing Pereira in their first encounter, earning a clear decision victory that cemented his reputation as one of the most difficult puzzles in the division.
At UFC 313, Pereira (12-3) entered as the betting favourite and defending champion, but the fight didn’t play out how most expected. Known for his terrifying power and pressure-heavy kickboxing, the Brazilian barely got into a rhythm and was ultimately soundly beaten by the Russian.
Tale of the Tape
Magomed Ankalaev – Odds 1.40 (Sky Bet)
Record: 21-1-1, 1 NC
Age: 33
Height: 6ft3
Reach: 75”
Weight: Light-heavyweight
Stance: Orthodox
Alex Pereira – Odds 2.88 (Sky Bet)
Record: 12-3
Age: 38
Height: 6ft4
Reach: 79”
Weight: Light-heavyweight
Stance: Orthodox
Magomed Ankalaev vs Alex Pereira: Analysis
The Dagestani contender’s entire approach is built to neutralise someone like Pereira. He’s not reckless. He won’t give Pereira easy looks. And unlike some of Pereira’s past opponents, Ankalaev isn’t intimidated by the aura of “Poatan.” He’s methodical, defensively sound, and more than capable of mixing in takedowns to keep Pereira guessing.
If Pereira is going to reclaim his belt, he needs to take the initiative back. Playing the counter game against Ankalaev is a recipe for disaster, and expecting the Russian to walk into something seems like wishful thinking. The pressure has to be real this time, he needs to risk eating a shot to land his own. Without that, it’s hard to see how he avoids another frustrating night.
What makes this rematch even tougher for Pereira is his own attitude. Since UFC 313, he hasn’t really owned up to what went wrong on fight night. Without that acknowledgement, it’s fair to wonder whether he’s willing to adjust his approach.
Ankalaev vs Pereira: Prediction & Betting Tips
Pereira is at his best when he’s walking opponents down, cutting off the cage, and setting up the left hook or the straight right that changes fights in an instant. Against Ankalaev, those openings never came. Moving backwards, he looked hesitant, almost waiting for the mistake that never arrived, and then he eventually backed himself into a corner and allowed Ankalaev to take control of the Octagon.
Until Pereira shows he can adjust and force Ankalaev into his kind of fight, the champion looks like the safer and smarter bet. In fact, if Pereira fights with the same approach as their first encounter, there’s a real chance this rematch is even more one-sided.
I am a huge fan of Poatan, but I just feel like this matchup is all wrong for him. Take Magomed Ankalaev moneyline at odds of 1.40 (Sky Bet). I’m also willing to stake a small amount on Magomed Ankalaev to win by submission at odds of 16.00 (Bet MGM).
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