Firas Zahabi believes Magomed Ankalaev‘s victory over Alex Pereira at UFC 313 was due to Ankalaev winning the mental battle, as Pereira became hesitant and overly cautious after being stunned in the early rounds.
Firas Zahabi believes that Magomed Ankalaev triumphed over Alex Pereira by winning the mental game. This past Saturday, Ankalaev secured a unanimous decision victory in the main event of UFC 313, clinching the light heavyweight title. It marked Pereira’s first defeat at this weight class. Although some contested the decision, Zahabi wasn’t among them.
“Round 1, Pereira did incredible,” Zahabi remarked on his YouTube channel. “He dominated. It seemed like Pereira was going to dismantle Ankalaev’s leg. Ankalaev stood southpaw; the kicks weren’t as powerful, but Pereira’s experience made it negligible. The low kicks lacked power since he wasn’t using his dominant side. Still, they added up. Round 1 goes to Pereira.”
In Round 2, Ankalaev turned the tide, hurting and pressuring Pereira. His corner urged him to maintain the pressure, and he did just that. Round 3 wasn’t particularly active for either fighter, but Ankalaev slightly edged it out. Many scored it in his favor. Even if you give Round 3 to Pereira, Zahabi argues he still loses 3-2 at best.
Zahabi, renowned coach at Tristar Gym, has mentored numerous top fighters, including UFC Hall of Famer Georges St-Pierre. So when he praises a fighter, it’s significant. On Saturday, Ankalaev impressed him.
“It wasn’t the most thrilling fight, but here’s what’s fascinating: Ankalaev out-struck him throughout,” Zahabi noted. “The entire bout was on their feet, and Ankalaev emerged victorious. In a kickboxing match? Most would bet on Pereira. Why did Ankalaev out-strike him in MMA? Well, Pereira hesitated despite his corner’s pleas.”
Pereira’s hesitance after Round 1 was palpable. He got stunned early and remained cautious thereafter. Zahabi speculates why: fear of takedowns loomed large in his mind post-stun. With both striking and takedown threats overwhelming him, he hesitated—paralysis by analysis. Trying to predict Ankalaev’s moves proved futile; Ankalaev was more unpredictable than Pereira expected.
In a nutshell, while not the most exhilarating fight ever witnessed, it was a testament to mental fortitude and strategic prowess—qualities Ankalaev displayed in abundance against a formidable opponent like Pereira.