Magomed Ankalaev's coach Sukhrab Magomedov in an exclusive interview with Telecomasia.net commented on Alex Pereira's words that his wrestling level is higher than Ankalaev's.
Moreover, earlier former UFC double champion Daniel Cormier said that Pereira can become an Olympic champion in freestyle wrestling. UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev reacted to Cormier's remarks by stating that Abdulrashid Sadulaev would destroy Alex within a minute.
Sukhrab Magomedov
I cannot evaluate Pereira's wrestling level since I have not seen him fight. So how can I say whether he can wrestle or not? But I believe Ankalaev has a higher level. Magomed wrestles well in freestyle wrestling. It would be great to organize a freestyle wrestling match between them. I have not seen Pereira's wrestling anywhere. He may have some skills because he is Brazilian, the home of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. However, I cannot evaluate his level. The idea that he would become an Olympic wrestling champion in two years is complete nonsense. Islam Makhachev was right in saying he would be wiped out in five seconds. Pereira isn’t that flexible. Considering how he moves, I wouldn’t say he knows how to fight, as wrestlers are usually flexible.
Pereira's last fight was against Jamahal Hill in April of this year at UFC 300. In that match, which was stopped in the first round, Alex won by knockout. The Brazilian has 10 wins and two losses to his name, while Ankalayev has 18 wins, one loss, and one draw.
