In the world of mixed martial arts, a well-rounded game is often the key to success, and that’s exactly what Magomed Ankalaev brought to the table when he faced Alex Pereira at UFC 313. Pereira, a former two-division kickboxing champion, was known for his devastating striking, particularly his knockout power, which had left many of his opponents unconscious. However, Ankalaev, a highly skilled fighter with exceptional wrestling and striking, implemented a brilliant strategy to neutralize Pereira’s entire game. Here’s an in-depth breakdown of how Ankalaev effectively shut down Pereira’s strengths and dominated the fight.

Neutralizing Pereira’s Striking with Movement and Control

Pereira’s bread and butter is his striking, particularly his left hook and deadly right hand. His precision and power make him a dangerous threat in any striking exchange. However, Ankalaev’s movement and footwork played a pivotal role in preventing Pereira from landing his most dangerous shots.

Ankalaev, known for his high fight IQ, didn’t engage in a traditional striking battle with Pereira. Instead, he used lateral movement and head movement to stay off the centerline and avoid Pereira’s bombs. By constantly shifting angles and staying unpredictable, Ankalaev minimized the risk of getting caught with the massive power punches that Pereira is famous for.

What’s impressive about Ankalaev is his patience. He didn’t rush into exchanges, understanding that a single mistake against a striker like Pereira could end the fight. Ankalaev’s ability to read his opponent’s rhythm and set traps allowed him to dictate the pace of the fight while avoiding major damage.

Wrestling and Clinch Control

Ankalaev’s wrestling game was a key factor in shutting down Pereira’s striking offense. The Brazilian had shown vulnerabilities in his ground game, and Ankalaev capitalized on this. From the very beginning, Ankalaev mixed in his takedowns with his striking, forcing Pereira to respect the threat of the takedown at all times.

In the clinch, Ankalaev displayed excellent control, keeping Pereira close and limiting his space. He didn’t allow Pereira to operate from distance, where his striking would be most effective. By staying tight in the clinch and pressing Pereira against the cage, Ankalaev neutralized Pereira’s striking range, making it difficult for him to unload his power punches.

What stood out was Ankalaev’s ability to control the position without wasting energy. He was methodical, wearing Pereira down with body shots and controlling his posture. This not only minimized Pereira’s ability to fight back but also fatigued him over time, further weakening his chances of landing something significant.

Closing the Distance and Disrupting the Rhythm

Ankalaev’s strategy wasn’t just to stay on the outside and avoid Pereira; he knew how to close the distance and disrupt the rhythm of Pereira’s strikes. He would use feints and jabs to draw out Pereira’s reactions, setting up explosive entries into the clinch or takedown attempts. This kept Pereira guessing and hesitant to fully commit to his attacks.

Ankalaev’s timing was impeccable when it came to closing the distance. He would often bait Pereira into throwing an overhand right or left hook and then counter with a double-leg takedown or clinch position. This constant threat of being taken down or pressed against the cage made Pereira reluctant to engage with the same fluidity that had worked so well in his previous fights.

The unpredictability of Ankalaev’s attack combined with his striking defense kept Pereira off balance throughout the fight. Ankalaev didn’t just avoid Pereira’s best shots—he actively made Pereira second-guess his approach, something not many fighters have done before.

Cardio and Pace Control

Another key factor in Ankalaev’s strategy was his control of the pace of the fight. Pereira, though dangerous in bursts, tends to slow down as the fight progresses, especially when pressured or when he’s forced to grapple. Ankalaev, with his exceptional conditioning, was able to push the pace, ensuring Pereira never got a chance to settle into a rhythm.

In the later rounds, Ankalaev’s cardio and pressure were evident. Pereira’s strikes became more labored, his movements slower, and his defensive reactions less sharp. Ankalaev was able to maintain his intensity, mixing in strikes and wrestling transitions without gassing out, and in doing so, he took away any chance Pereira had of recovering and landing a comeback knockout.

Mental Warfare and Strategic Mastery

Ankalaev didn’t just neutralize Pereira physically; he also defeated him mentally. Throughout the fight, Ankalaev remained composed and never seemed rattled, even when Pereira managed to land a clean strike or threaten with his trademark kicks. This calm under pressure is a hallmark of high-level fighters, and Ankalaev’s mental fortitude was a major factor in Pereira’s inability to find his groove.

Pereira, known for his ability to break opponents down with his striking and psychological pressure, was never able to get to Ankalaev. Instead, Ankalaev controlled the fight in every aspect, frustrating Pereira with his elusive footwork, defensive striking, and unrelenting pace.

Conclusion: A Perfect Game Plan

In the end, Ankalaev’s performance at UFC 313 was a masterclass in neutralizing an opponent’s strengths while maximizing your own advantages. By controlling the distance, mixing up his striking and wrestling, and maintaining a relentless pace, Ankalaev did everything necessary to neutralize Alex Pereira’s entire fighting game. His fight IQ and ability to execute a strategy that stifled Pereira’s most dangerous weapons earned him a dominant victory and showcased the versatility and depth of his skill set.

Ankalaev’s victory over Pereira demonstrated that, in MMA, the ability to adapt, control the pace, and neutralize your opponent’s strengths is just as important as having knockout power. While Pereira remains one of the most dangerous strikers in the world, Ankalaev’s performance proved that with the right game plan, even the most dangerous fighters can be neutralized.