As UFC 320 approaches, anticipation is running high for the highly awaited light heavyweight rematch between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The bout comes months after their first meeting, where Ankalaev shocked fans by dominating Pereira on the feet across five rounds to claim the title.
While oddsmakers have Ankalaev listed as the favorite heading into the rematch, the MMA community remains divided on who will walk away with the belt this time. Some fighters, including Alexander Volkanovski, are backing the Russian to retain his crown, while others, such as Dricus Du Plessis, believe Pereira will bounce back in style.
Max Holloway predicts a different Alex Pereira
Among those sharing their insight is current BMF title holder Max Holloway, who believes Alex Pereira will return to his roots and deploy a crucial weapon that fans have long associated with his striking arsenal.
“I’m telling you right now, I’m willing to bet right now with anyone that we’re gonna see Alex Pereira’s vintage leg kicks in this fight,” Holloway stated on his YouTube channel.
According to Holloway, Pereira’s failure to unleash his powerful leg kicks in the first encounter was a missed opportunity he is unlikely to repeat.
“I guarantee he was p—– at himself for that first fight for not doing it, especially with the information that he had with the way Magomed takes leg kicks,” Max Holloway added.
“He’s not gonna get held…”
The BMF champion further emphasized that Alex Pereira would be better prepared for Magomed Ankalaev’s game plan this time around.
“I think Alex goes in there, he’s not gonna get held against the cage, I think he’s gonna stay his distance, I think he’s gonna get on the leg kicks early and I think Alex gets his hand raised, I think Pereira will be the champion again.”
Stakes higher than ever at UFC 320
With Pereira aiming to reclaim his belt and Ankalaev seeking to cement his dominance, the stakes at UFC 320 could not be higher. Pereira’s adaptability and Max Holloway’s prediction of a leg-kick-heavy approach add an extra layer of intrigue to the rematch.
As fans and fighters alike debate the outcome, one thing is certain: Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev 2.0 promises to be one of the most talked-about clashes of the year.