Magomed Ankalaev thinks followers will come to like him.
Ankalaev captured his first world title on Saturday night time, scoring a unanimous determination victory over Alex Pereira at UFC 313 in Las Vegas. Sadly, Ankalaev’s efficiency did little to earn him new followers. All through the five-round affair, the Dagestani largely relied on his takedown makes an attempt and clinch work to grind out a win on all three scorecards.
Earlier than, throughout, and after the battle, Ankalaev was booed relentlessly by the reside crowd, however he thinks that’s just because he beat one of many followers’ favourite fighters. In time, Ankalaev is assured that UFC followers will ultimately recognize his work contained in the Octagon.
“I perceive that I beat their favourite fighter,” Ankalaev informed Kolos on MMA. “A star they cared about. I believe subsequent time, the followers will cheer as an alternative of booing.”
Contemplating his subsequent battle seems to be to be an instantaneous rematch with Pereira, Ankalaev higher prepare for the boo-birds to return out in full pressure.
Was Pereira coping with accidents and sickness forward of Magomed Ankalaev battle?
Ankalaev’s efficiency in no way set the world on fireplace, however he did handle to outstrike Pereira who, fairly frankly, delivered probably the most lackluster efficiency of his UFC profession to this point.
Within the wake of his lopsided loss, rumors recommend that Pereira may have been coping with a case of norovirus and should have even damaged his hand forward of battle night time. Nonetheless, ‘Poatan’ has not perpetuated any of these claims nor has he supplied any excuses for his uninspired exhibiting.
As an alternative, Pereira is selecting to concentrate on operating it again with Ankalaev — a battle the Dagestani has already agreed to.
