Whittaker Questions Pereira’s Preparedness Ahead of Potential Ankalaev Rematch
Former UFC Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker has expressed skepticism regarding Alex Pereira’s performance during his light heavyweight title fight against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313. Whittaker believes what transpired in the octagon wasn’t a full display of Pereira’s capabilities, citing ‘very real’ challenges that hampered the Brazilian’s strategy.
The fight, which saw Ankalaev secure a dominant unanimous decision victory, showcased the Russian’s effectiveness in keeping Pereira at bay with constant pressure, relentless clinch work, and a tangible threat of takedowns. This contrasted sharply with what many expected from a fighter known for his explosive knockout power. As Pereira himself revealed post-fight, he wasn’t at 100% due to undisclosed health issues.
“His excuses are very real and everybody has pried these out of him,”
Robert Whittaker (MMArcade Podcast)
Pereira’s admission followed claims from UFC commentator Joe Rogan, who initially suggested the fighter was battling a broken hand and serious illness during the bout. Later, Pereira addressed Rogan’s assertions, confirming he wasn’t fully fit but providing little detail about the specifics of the ailments affecting him.
Speculation is already mounting regarding a potential rematch between Pereira and Ankalaev. Whittaker’s assessment suggests that this second encounter would present a markedly different challenge for Pereira if he’s able to overcome his current struggles.
Adding another layer to the situation, Ankalaev himself faced considerable adversity leading up to the fight. As a devout Muslim, he was competing during Ramadan, requiring him to fight while fasting and enduring the physiological effects of that practice. Pereira’s subsequent struggles highlighted a stark contrast – a display of gun-shy striking without the devastating power fans have come to expect.
“There are plenty of times fighters fight with legitimate excuses,” Whittaker explained.
Robert Whittaker (MMArcade Podcast)
Whittaker’s comments underscore the difficulty in accurately gauging a fighter’s readiness when they grapple with unseen obstacles. While pinpointing the precise percentage of a fighter’s true capacity during a contest is nearly impossible, the impact of factors like illness, injury, and religious observance can undeniably shape a performance.
FAQ
- Will there be a rematch? The possibility of a rematch between Pereira and Ankalaev is high, given their competitive history and the intrigue surrounding Pereira’s health issues.
- What was Pereira’s health issue? Pereira has been tight-lipped about the specific nature of his ailment, only stating he wasn’t at 100%.
- How did Ankalaev win? Ankalaev secured a unanimous decision victory, dominating Pereira with consistent pressure, clinch work, and takedown attempts.
Did you know? Magomed Ankalaev’s fight during Ramadan highlights the dedication and resilience required of athletes constantly pushing their physical limits.
Pro Tip: Pay close attention to a fighter’s pre-fight comments and assess any potential vulnerability alongside their natural skill set when evaluating their chances in a future matchup.
Are fighters’ excuses possible? Absolutely. There’s no telling how a performace will suer. A fighter can be 100% fine, but the pressure of any fight is a difficult challenge for many.
Call to Action: What do you think Whittaker is right? Will Pereira look completely different in a rematch against Ankalaev, or will he continue to underperform due to his health issues? Share your thoughts in the comments below!