It's hard to believe we are already properly in March and on the cusp of UFC 313. Time definitely flies but if there's one fighter in the UFC that doesn't waste any time, that fighter would be Light Heavyweight Champion Alex 'Poatan' Pereira. Pereira has been in the UFC since November of 2021 and as soon as he was added to the roster the man just got to work. He quickly established himself as not only one of the most active fighters in the promotion, but one of the scariest as well. Maybe the scariest. I'm definitely grateful to be watching the Pereira era of the UFC. Four full years haven't even passed and Pereira is a Hall of Famer already I believe. It's really as if Pereira is going through his career on easy mode.
It's special, rare times I feel watching Pereira. He became relevant in the sport at a mildly late age, he turns 38 this summer. While it's probably true that Pereira's skills are so elite that they could allow him to fight successfully at a later age, time is still ticking and the sport always has a new hungry prospect around the corner. Pereira's time in the spotlight could be on the shorter side but he's seizing his moment in time in a big way and I find it pretty inspiring.
Pereira's time may be short but his accomplishments are still legendary. He's truly speedrunning a Hall of Fame career and it's really hard to wrap my head around it. The guy is like an athletic unicorn. Pereira reminds me of Patrick Mahomes in many ways. Both guys just hit the ground running at the highest levels.
Tonight will be a massive test for Pereira though, as he tries to defend his Light Heavyweight Championship against a well rounded Russian fighter named Magomed Ankalaev. Ankalaev has not lost a fight in practically seven years! There's a ton of hype around Pereira for obvious reasons, but Ankalaev is a very valid, seasoned contender who can wrestle at a super high level. The wrestling aspect of this fight is what everyone will be looking for. Pereira comes from an extensive striking background, and has faced a handful of competent grapplers but none on the level of Ankalaev. I'm actually very concerned about how Pereira deals with that pressure and style.
Many fighters go into the fight vs Pereira with a big ego and foolishly stand and trade with Pereira. But Ankalaev does not care, he will be tactically sound and choose the avenue that will get him the victory. The wrestling is concering for those who are pulling for Pereira tonight, but for Ankalaev supporters, let's hope Ankalaev doesn't get complacent and just assume Pereira can't grapple at all. Pereira is a warrior and has definitely been trying to sharpen his ground game, it's not like he's clueless on the mat and he's just a good athlete and fighter. Hand to hand combat comes natural to him for sure.
I think Ankalaev actually gets this done tonight and throws a wrench in the MMA landscape! I envision Ankalaev being locked in and being too polished with his grappling tonight. A win like this would launch Ankalaev's career more so than most 'average' championship victories. Pereira is a superstar and the true face of the UFC today. This would be a historic type of win.
Now, Pereira winning would not shock me one tiny percent. The man is just that great. I wouldn't mind at all either to see Pereira's reign continue. If he wins, a meeting with Jon Jones is possible...
Pereira does have a lot to fight for too. He could be on track to do some pretty unheard of things with a win in Vegas tonight. Ankalaev has waited ages for his chance too. A real clash of the titans and I am READY! MMA history, MMA at the highest level is just a few hours away.
In the co-main event, top fighters Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev fight in a rematch in the lightweight division. I remember their first fight very well, I thought it was really competitive. Feels like forever ago but it was only two years. Justin won the first one and I think he gets it done again. I just sense Justin has Fiziev's number. Gaethje, the legend, is always going to bring a great fight and Fiziev reminds me of a lightweight Mike Tyson. I'd prefer if this was a draw or something because I like both of these guys. I highly recommend watching their first fight, it was very intense!
Alex Morono, King Green, and Jalin Turner are some other fighters I'm looking forward to see fight as well.
Life is busy and stressful but I am going to enjoy the night and forget about some worries for a bit. I am grateful!
