Here’s a bold statement: Even if Magomed Ankalaev had been at the peak of his health, Alex Pereira might still have dominated him in their UFC 320 rematch. But here’s where it gets controversial—was Ankalaev’s broken rib the real reason for his stunning 90-second defeat, or was Pereira simply the better fighter that night? Let’s dive in.
This past weekend, the highly anticipated rematch between Ankalaev and Pereira unfolded in a way no one expected. Ankalaev, the former champion, put his title on the line, but Pereira, known as ‘Poatan,’ swiftly ended the fight before it truly began. In the aftermath, Ankalaev’s team revealed a shocking detail: he had entered the bout with a broken rib, an injury that severely limited his training. Daniel Cormier, a respected voice in the MMA community, confirmed this on his YouTube channel, emphasizing that it was no excuse but a verifiable fact. He even mentioned seeing a video of Ankalaev receiving injections to manage the pain.
But here’s the twist: Cormier doesn’t believe the injury was the deciding factor. He argues that Pereira’s aggressive and calculated approach—a stark contrast to their first encounter—would have posed insurmountable challenges for Ankalaev, even if he had been fully healthy. ‘I don’t know if he was at 120 percent if he would have beaten Pereira on that night,’ Cormier stated, sparking debate among fans and analysts alike.
In their first fight, Ankalaev secured a decision victory by landing precise strikes and controlling Pereira against the fence. Pereira later claimed he was only ‘40 percent’ of himself during that bout, vowing to come back stronger. And he did. In the rematch, Pereira marched forward with relentless pressure, dropping Ankalaev almost immediately. It was a performance that left no doubt about his dominance.
And this is the part most people miss: Pereira’s victory wasn’t just about reclaiming the title; it was a statement. At 38, Pereira is eyeing a superfight with Jon Jones, a matchup that could cement his legacy as one of the greatest fighters of all time. As Cormier pointed out, beating Jones—a former UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight champion—would elevate Pereira to a level few have ever reached.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room. Was Ankalaev’s decision to fight with a broken rib a mistake? Some close to him advised against it, but he was determined to prove himself again. While his courage is undeniable, the outcome raises questions about the risks fighters take and the consequences they face. Is it fair to criticize Ankalaev for accepting the fight in such condition, or should we applaud his determination?
As we reflect on this fight, it’s clear that Pereira’s evolution as a fighter and Ankalaev’s injury both played significant roles. But the bigger question remains: Could anyone have stopped Pereira that night? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think a healthy Ankalaev could have changed the outcome, or was Pereira simply unstoppable?
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- Mateusz Gamrot questions whether Charles Oliveira was ‘scared’ to fight him at UFC Rio.
- Tragic news: Former UFC fighter Suman Mokhtarian dies in a gangland shooting in Australia.
Fight Announcements:
Fabricio Andrade vs. Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu set for ONE Fight Night 38 on December 5.
Final Thoughts:
While Cormier’s perspective is compelling, it’s hard to ignore the impact of Ankalaev’s injury. Still, Pereira’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary. What’s your take? Share your opinions below and stay tuned for more MMA updates!
