UFC 313 could also be within the rearview mirror, however its headliner—a light-weight heavyweight title showdown between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev—continues to dominate discussions. The bout’s surprising final result left the MMA world shocked, together with UFC CEO Dana White, who admitted, “It was not what I anticipated.” Many had anticipated the Dagestani would lean closely on his wrestling, presenting a tricky problem for the Brazilian. Nonetheless, Pereira was capable of defend all 12 of Ankalaev’s takedown makes an attempt.
Then again, nearly all of the battle followers had been relying on Pereira’s devastating left hook to ship ‘Massive Ank’ into the shadow realm. Nonetheless, as the ultimate horn sounded, Ankalaev shocked the world and clinched the 205lbs gold. This was on the again of a placing masterclass that stored the Brazilian on his again foot. Regardless of an improved floor sport, the relentless stress and strategic management from Ankalaev threw the previous champion off his rhythm, leaving him weak.
This actually left a foul style within the mouth of many within the battle group who anticipated the ‘fan-friendly’ and ‘merchandise-selling’ champion to retain his belt. As well as, many labeled the competition as a downright ‘theft’ owing to the dearth of fireworks and a quite stale part through the clinch and subsequent exchanges towards the cage. On phase #2289 of The Joe Rogan Experience, Joe Rogan revisited the battle whereas talking together with his visitor, Darryl Cooper, host of The MartyrMade Podcast.
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Having witnessed the battle firsthand from the commentary sales space alongside Jon Anik and Daniel Cormier, Rogan shared his perspective: “The Ankalaev and Pereira battle was unbelievable. Though some followers didn’t adore it as a result of it wasn’t a wild knockout or an all-out brawl, it was a masterclass in method. Ankalaev did an outstanding job neutralizing the scariest man within the division.”
Cooper agreed, emphasizing that Ankalaev’s method to Pereira was extra about psychological warfare, which finally threw ‘Poatan’ off stability. He defined, “You possibly can’t simply succeed by being aggressive.” Joe Rogan then reminded listeners of the immense ability of each fighters, warning towards underestimating Magomed Ankalaev’s knockout energy: “Whereas Pereira is undoubtedly nice, don’t neglect—Ankalaev has knocked out among the greatest within the division,” the UFC commentator identified.
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Certainly, Ankalaev’s efficiency was way over simply aggressive combating; it was a tactical masterpiece, designed to disrupt Alex Pereira’s rhythm and push him into unfamiliar territory. Absolutely conscious of the uncommon alternative he had lengthy awaited, the Russian powerhouse made certain to not let it slip away.
In the meantime, the Brazilian discovered it troublesome to impose his normal stress on Ankalaev all through the complete 5 rounds. When the ultimate bell rang, it despatched ripples via the division, creating shockwaves that proceed to be felt. However there’s much more to Joe Rogan’s evaluation—let’s take a more in-depth look.
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Joe Rogan breaks down how Magomed Ankalaev outclassed the “uncharacteristic” Alex Pereira
“I don’t know in the event that they respect me but, however after this battle, they may make sure that to understand me,” Magomed Ankalaev declared earlier than getting into the Octagon towards Alex Pereira at UFC 313. For years, Dana White and the UFC brass had neglected the Russian powerhouse, who believed he deserved a title shot “a very long time in the past.” Nonetheless, he hoped his second had lastly arrived—and by the top of the night time, he proved precisely why!
Regardless of combating throughout Ramadan, the Dagestani stepped up, placing every little thing on the road. When the ultimate bell rang, he stood as the brand new mild heavyweight champion, turning into the third UFC titleholder from Dagestan after Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev. His dominant efficiency silenced doubters and earned him world recognition—together with reward from Joe Rogan.
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Following UFC 313, Rogan hailed Ankalaev’s victory over Alex Pereira as a defining second: “Now he’s the champion of the world, towards probably the most devastating champion we’ve seen in years.” Breaking down the battle additional, Rogan highlighted the Dagestani native’s strategic brilliance: “There have been solely a few moments the place Pereira shocked him—the pinnacle kick and some different good pictures—however for probably the most half, Ankalaev managed the gap, utilized stress, and compelled ‘Poatan’ into an uncharacteristic place: backing up and avoiding pictures.
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What are your ideas on the Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev battle? Whereas it wasn’t a wild brawl, do you agree with Joe Rogan that it was nonetheless among the finest fights? Share your sincere opinion beneath!