Alex “Poatan” Pereira’s UFC career has been nothing short of remarkable, with his stunning victory over Israel Adesanya, claiming the Middleweight Championship. However, his next fight, against the formidable Magomed Ankalaev, could be a major test for the Brazilian. And none other than former UFC champion Daniel Cormier is issuing a serious warning to Poatan about the challenges he will face against Ankalaev.

Cormier, a former champion and one of the most respected figures in UFC history, didn’t hesitate to caution Poatan about the complexities of this matchup. The fight between the two is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated in the UFC, and Cormier believes that Ankalaev’s experience and fighting style may present a significant obstacle for Poatan, who is more widely known for his kickboxing background.

Ankalaev’s Threat: A Well-Rounded Fighter

Magomed Ankalaev is one of the most versatile fighters in the light-heavyweight division, with a style that combines both striking and grappling. His wrestling, combined with his ability to control the pace of the fight, makes him a tough opponent for anyone. Cormier, who is known for his elite wrestling skills, understands the importance of being prepared for the kind of pressure Ankalaev can bring.

In a recent interview, Cormier explained that Poatan needs to be cautious of Ankalaev’s grappling game. “Ankalaev is extremely well-rounded. He knows how to control the fight, and he’s not just relying on standing exchanges. That could be a problem for Poatan, who comes from a kickboxing background,” Cormier warned. According to the former champion, Poatan will need to expand his skill set and be ready for a more well-rounded approach to the fight, not just a striking battle.

Poatan’s Fighting Style and UFC Challenges

Poatan entered the UFC with a stellar kickboxing background, boasting an impressive record and a knockout power that quickly earned him a spot at the top of the middleweight division. However, the transition from kickboxing to MMA has shown some challenges for Poatan, especially when facing opponents with a more diverse and technical game, like Ankalaev.

While Poatan is known for his devastating striking, his skills on the ground and his defense against takedowns are not as refined compared to other fighters in the division. This makes the fight with Ankalaev particularly dangerous, as the Russian fighter is known for quickly taking the fight to the mat, where Poatan could find himself at a disadvantage.

Daniel Cormier’s Important Warning

Daniel Cormier, with his wealth of experience in the octagon, stressed the importance of Poatan’s preparation for Ankalaev’s wrestling. “He needs to be smart. He needs to learn to defend the takedowns and the clinch control that Ankalaev excels at,” Cormier emphasized. He also pointed out that if Poatan doesn’t improve his wrestling defense, he risks being neutralized by Ankalaev and losing the advantage he has standing.

Cormier made sure to highlight that Poatan has the potential to win the fight, especially if he can keep the fight on the feet, where his striking is lethal. “Poatan is dangerous standing. He can knock anyone out. But if Ankalaev takes him down, it’s going to be tough for him to get out. He has to be strategic,” Cormier concluded.

Poatan’s Path: Preparation is Key

The fight between Alex Poatan Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev is not only an opportunity to defend his middleweight title, but it’s also a chance for Poatan to prove that he can evolve in MMA and become a more complete fighter. To achieve that, preparation will be crucial, especially in areas like wrestling and takedown defense.

Poatan will need to train with grappling and wrestling specialists to improve his ground game and defense, something that Cormier strongly recommended. If he can neutralize Ankalaev’s grappling game and keep the fight standing, Poatan has the tools to win.

What to Expect from the Fight?

The fight between Poatan and Ankalaev promises to be a fascinating clash of styles. Poatan, with his knockout power and refined striking skills, will face off against Ankalaev, who is a more well-rounded and technical fighter with an exceptional ability to control the pace and positioning of the fight. MMA fans are eager to see how Poatan will handle the grappling challenges and whether he can keep the fight standing to capitalize on his chances.

Meanwhile, Daniel Cormier’s warning serves as a reminder to Poatan of the complexity of this fight and the areas where he will need to improve to be successful. For Poatan, the key will be to evolve as a fighter, expand his game, and ensure that he is fully prepared for whatever challenges Ankalaev may present in the octagon.