Russian UFC light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev discussed his unsuccessful attempts to use wrestling during his bout against Brazilian Alex Pereira.
Magomed Ankalaev for MMAnews
I told my coach right away during the rounds that I felt like he was greased. He was just too slippery. These things happen in professional sport, I’m not accusing him of anything, but that’s just what I felt. I spar every day, I train every day, you can feel when people are slippery. It’s too much slippery.
The two fighters are set for a rematch on October 5 in Las Vegas at UFC 320. Their first fight took place in March 2025 at UFC 313, where Ankalaev won by unanimous decision.
Ankalaev’s professional record stands at 20 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw, with one no-contest. Pereira has 12 wins and 3 losses.
