At UFC 313, Magomed Ankalaev secured a unanimous decision victory over Alex Pereira to claim the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. However, controversy arose after the fight when Ankalaev’s coach, Sukhrab Magomedov, accused Pereira of applying grease to his body, making it harder for Ankalaev to execute takedowns.
Greasing Allegations Against Alex Pereira
According to Magomedov, Pereira’s skin appeared unusually slick, leading him to believe the Brazilian fighter had applied a gel-like substance before stepping into the Octagon. He also hinted at the involvement of Glover Teixeira, Pereira’s longtime mentor, in this alleged tactic.
"He had some substance smeared on him," Magomedov claimed. "We know this trick, and it’s not something new in MMA."
These accusations suggest that Pereira might have used illegal greasing methods to prevent Ankalaev from securing dominant ground positions.
Did Greasing Affect the Fight?
Despite these allegations, Ankalaev dominated the bout, securing a victory with judges’ scores of 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46. His well-rounded skill set and strategic approach helped neutralize Pereira’s world-class striking.
If true, the greasing accusations could have influenced the fight by limiting Ankalaev’s grappling efficiency. However, without concrete evidence, these remain unverified claims.
What’s Next for Pereira and Ankalaev?
With Ankalaev now the undisputed champion, fans are eager to see his next title defense. Meanwhile, Pereira’s future remains uncertain. Will he seek a rematch, or will he move up to heavyweight, as he hinted before the fight?
Additionally, if these greasing allegations gain traction, could Pereira face disciplinary action from the UFC or athletic commissions? The organization has not yet commented on the matter.
Final Thoughts
The UFC 313 main event was already a highly anticipated showdown, but these allegations have added another layer of controversy. Whether the UFC will investigate remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the rivalry between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira is far from over.
What do you think? Did Pereira grease up before the fight, or is this just an excuse? Let us know in the comments!
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