"If Israel Adesanya can knock him out” - Magomed Ankalaev’s manager explains his confidence in knocking out Alex Pereira

Alex Pereira is expected to face Magomed Ankalaev in his next light heavyweight title defense. The Brazilian successfully defended his throne three times in 2024, all via knockout. But according to Ankalaev, Pereira's likely next opponent, he will be the one to land the knockout blow should the pair clash.

With the No.1-ranked light heavyweight contender hailing from Russia, it has been expected that he would use a wrestling-based gameplan against 'Poatan', as many of MMA's best grapplers originate from Eastern Europe.

Although, Ankalaev holds no submission wins in UFC, his six out of 11 victories have come via knockout. The title contender's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, recently doubled down on his client's confidence in knocking out Pereira.

The MMA manager was recently interviewed by Kevin Iole, where he said:

"I think Magomed Ankalaev has more knockout [wins] than what Alex Pereira has wins in the UFC. Nobody can say [Ankalaev] is boring... Ankalaev's last fight he fought Rakic, he ran from [Ankalaev] the whole fight. He did not shoot for one takedown, Rakic actually shot for a takedown."

Abdelaziz continued:

"[Ankalaev] promised me, he said, 'I'm gonna stand toe to toe with Pereira. I think he's chinny. I believe I'm gonna knock him out in under three rounds.' Listen, if Israel Adesanya can knock him out, then you don't think Ankalaev can knock him out?"

Check out Ali Abdelaziz's comments below (3:15):

---

Magomed Ankalaev's manager shares his client's bold preview of potential Alex Pereira clash

According to Magomed Ankalaev's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, the No.1 ranked light heavyweight contender believes he is lightyears ahead of Israel Adesanya as a striker.

'The Last Stylebender' is regarded as one of the best strikers in MMA history, and is the only fighter to knock out Alex Pereira in mixed martial arts.

But during a recent interview with MMAJunkie, Abdelaziz shared Ankalaev's bold preview of his potential clash with 'Poatan', saying:

"Ankalaev, what he told me, he said, 'I'm not wrestling with [Pereira]. I'm gonna shw everybody. Izzy can't even wash my boots in striking. I'm gonna knock Alex Pereira out. Get the respect I've deserved for a long time.' It's a long task to strike with [Pereira] and knock him out. But I believe Ankalaev can do it.."

Check out Ali Abdelaziz's comments below (17:45):