The atmosphere at the UFC 313 pre-fight press conference was electric as fans erupted into chants of ‘Chama’ when Brazilian champion Alex Pereira took the stage. In stark contrast, his opponent, Magomed Ankalaev, who has long been the opponent fans wanted Pereira to face, was met with a chorus of boos. This reaction seemed to agitate the Russian fighter, intensifying the already palpable tension as the fight date approaches.
During the press conference, Ankalaev did not shy away from making pointed comments aimed at Pereira. While Pereira had previously poked fun at Ankalaev for breaking his fast during the holy month of Ramadan, Ankalaev retaliated by referencing Pereira’s past struggles with alcoholism. A reporter prompted Ankalaev to predict whether he could send Pereira back to the tire shop by “absolutely dominating” the fight. This comment alluded to Pereira’s earlier life, where he battled alcoholism while working at a tire shop.
Ankalaev confidently stated, “We’re planning on absolutely dominating him on Saturday. We’re gonna make sure that Chama has no chances on Saturday. Whether or not he stays in the sport and decides to go back to the tire shop, that’s gonna be up to him.” This statement encapsulates the high stakes of their upcoming bout, with Ankalaev fully aware that the crowd was firmly behind Pereira.
Despite the overwhelming support for Pereira resonating through the venue, Ankalaev remained resolute. He declared at the start of the press conference, “Chama time is over! After this Saturday night, after the fight, you will all love me!” His unwavering determination highlights the competitive nature of this matchup, with Ankalaev having previously issued challenges to Pereira, claiming he has what it takes to defeat him.
While Pereira boasts a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, critics argue that he lacks elite wrestling skills, an area where Ankalaev excels. Notably, neither fighter has secured a victory via submission, making their striking skills even more critical in this matchup.
As a practicing Muslim, Ankalaev is currently fasting during Ramadan, a challenge for any athlete preparing for a high-stakes fight. With UFC 313 scheduled just a week into the holy month, he faced the unique challenge of training while fasting. However, Ankalaev has adapted his regimen to ensure he remains competitive. During the UFC 313 media day, he explained, “The only thing that we had to change is because the week of the fight is Ramadan. I had to break a couple of fasting sessions because I have to drink a lot of water in order to make the weight. Other than that, everything is the same.”
This strategic adjustment may have put Pereira on edge, as Ankalaev stated, “He’s obviously really worried about me and what I’m doing. He seems to be nervous.” The implications of Ankalaev’s training adjustments could very well influence the outcome of the fight.
As the fight date of March 8, 2025 approaches, the stakes couldn't be higher for both fighters. A victory for Ankalaev would not only crown him as the new light heavyweight champion but also make him the first fighter to defeat Pereira in the 205-pound division. Conversely, if Pereira secures a win, he could potentially rise to the top of the pound-for-pound rankings.
With the stage set for an intense battle, fans eagerly await to see how the rivalry between Ankalaev and Pereira unfolds. Will Ankalaev's preparation and adjustments during Ramadan lead him to victory, or will the fan-favorite champion, Pereira, deliver yet another knockout? Join the debate below and share your thoughts on this highly anticipated matchup.
