BMF title holder Max Holloway firmly believes that Alex Pereira will return to his fundamental strengths at UFC 320, resurrecting a classic and potent technique from his fighting repertoire.
This coming Saturday, the premier mixed martial arts promotion is set to light up the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas for UFC 320. The event`s highlight will be a highly anticipated light heavyweight championship rematch between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira.
Known as ‘Poatan’, Pereira is keenly focused on securing a victory and moving past his last encounter with the Russian. In their previous bout, Ankalaev secured the title by out-striking Pereira over five rounds. Given the unexpected nature of their first fight`s outcome, the UFC fanbase remains divided on who will claim the title in `Sin City` this time around.
Max Holloway`s Insight on Pereira`s Title Reclamation Strategy
Following his impressive striking display against ‘Poatan’ in their previous contest, Ankalaev enters the rematch as a moderate favorite according to bookmakers. However, opinions within the MMA community are split. While notable fighters such as Alexander Volkanovski support Ankalaev to retain his championship, Dricus Du Plessis is betting on Pereira to bounce back with a win.
Current BMF champion Max Holloway has also weighed in with his expert analysis, predicting that Pereira will strategically deploy one of his renowned `vintage` techniques to secure the victory.
“I`m telling you right now, I`m willing to bet with anyone that we`re going to see Alex Pereira`s vintage leg kicks in this fight,” Holloway stated emphatically in a video posted on his YouTube channel. He added, “I guarantee he was frustrated with himself in the first fight for not utilizing them, especially given the intelligence he had regarding Magomed`s vulnerability to leg kicks.”
Holloway concluded his prediction: “I believe Alex will step into the octagon, actively avoid being pinned against the cage, maintain optimal striking distance, initiate with early leg kicks, and ultimately have his hand raised. I foresee Pereira becoming champion once more.”
Ankalaev`s Past Struggles Against Leg Kicks
‘Blessed’ Holloway specifically pointed out a previous fight where Ankalaev demonstrated significant difficulty dealing with sustained leg kick attacks. During his 2022 bout against Jan Blachowicz for the vacant light heavyweight title, Blachowicz relentlessly targeted Ankalaev`s leg with kicks, visibly compromising his stability and stance.
Therefore, if Pereira successfully reintroduces and effectively utilizes this formidable weapon, there is a strong possibility that ‘Poatan’ could once again ascend to the status of UFC champion.
