Magomed Ankalaev seems to have dispelled the notion that the UFC is facing a dearth in star power and that Alex Pereira’s loss might have exacerbated it. After his coronation as the light heavyweight champion at UFC 313 last weekend, his popularity has soared. The Poatan tamer is now on the winning side of an unofficial race with fellow Russian and lightweight king, Islam Makhachev.
After worrying Pereira on the feet right through the bout, Ankalaev controlled the Brazilian at the fence to earn a contentious, yet unanimous decision victory in Sin City on Saturday. However, according to some pundits, UFC CEO Dana White is now facing a headache regarding the new champ’s perceived lack of star power.
“It’s a nightmare for the UFC that he [Ankalaev] won,” former heavyweight fighter Brendan Schaub said. “A nightmare. Look at Dana’s (White) face. You can tell by his face. He’s looking at Bruce Buffer, and he just goes, ‘F*ck.’ It’s a nightmare that Ankalaev’s the champ.”
However, Ankalaev is already making waves on social media. His title-wrapping video has amassed 46.6 million views. That’s much higher than the 19.2 million views garnered by Makhachev’s video after his win over Renato Moicano in January.
“Magomed Ankalaev’s video has more than double the amount of views of Islam Makhachev’s belt-wrapping. In only 48 hours,” ESPN MMA posted on Instagram.
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However, as pointed out by one user on the platform, the stunning numbers could also be because Pereira, a fan favorite, was involved in the fight. That said, should Ankalaev be able to replicate this performance again in a rematch, that would dispel any doubts analysts like Schaub might have.
Negotiations started for 205 lb title rematch
Pereira had claimed right after the loss that the UFC had awarded someone a title for hugging the fence. While he is within his right to be miffed by the unanimous decision loss, it should be noted that Ankalaev managed to outstrike the Brazilian, whose only major offense was a head kick in the 4th round.
Anklalaev, meanwhile, let the world know at the post-PPV presser that he was happy to consider a rematch. He took a dig at Poatan, stating that he hopes Pereira would decide to fight instead of backing away in the next bout.
“Negotiations are already underway regarding a rematch,” Ankalaev said after touching down in Dagestan. “It’s not yet known who will be next. But we agreed in advance, if they [Alex Pereira and his team] want a rematch, then we are ready.”
The questions about Ankalaev’s stardom will continue to be raised unless he secures some finishes. In fact, as a champion, it will be expected of him.
Pereira, on the other hand, will hope to move forward and press without fearing takedowns when he fights the Russian again. If he allows Ankalaev to push him back to the cage again, the bout, and the result, would follow the same script at UFC 313.
