With UFC 313 drawing closer, fighters and analysts are weighing in and providing their predictions for the light heavyweight championship main event. Light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira puts his title on the line against top contender Magomed Ankalaev in the headlining bout.
Former featherweight champion Alex Volkanovski gave his breakdown of the matchup and revealed his prediction on his YouTube channel.
“Originally, when I heard about this fight I was like, this is is a tough matchup for Pereira. I still think it is a tough matchup,” Volkanovksi said. “But then the more and more I look into it and chat about it, Pereira, his takedown defense is getting better and better.”
“Let’s remember his fight with Jan Blachowicz. (He) was able to stop takedowns, get back to his feet. Showed a lot of improvements in his takedown defense against a solid wrestler. Probably not as good as Ankalaev. I think Ankalaev’s wrestling and grappling is going to be much better than Jan Blachowicz to be quite honest. But I think Pereira’s confidence understanding – He’s always had a good understanding, but now an even better understanding of the grappling, takedown defense. All that sort of stuff,” continued Volkanovski.
“The Great” believes Pereira will be able to handle Ankalaev’s grappling and avoid being submitted if the fight goes to the ground.
“On the feet, Ankalaev, great fighter. Southpaw. Does some great things. Can look very effective on his feet, but Pereira is insanely good on the feet,” Volkanovski said.
“I think it’s going to be hard to bet against Alex Pereira with just how things are going to be. That inside leg kick. I don’t know if you remember with Jan Blachowicz and Ankalaev, was able to make a mess of Ankalaev’s lead leg. So obviously for him (Pereira) to find that opportunity, it’s going to be there.”
Volkanovski ultimately picked the champion to retain the title via knockout citing his accuracy and countering ability.
“I am going to go with the favorite on this one, Alex Pereira. KO. I’m going to go with KO or TKO. I think with him, it’s always a pretty safe bet,” he said. “I’m thinking maybe second or third round KO.”
