The match-up in UFC 313 will be of major interest to both MMA and fans due to the striking capabilities of the fighters. Magomed Ankalaev, being well-rounded, has shown his vulnerabilities in his most past bouts with particular emphasis on leg-kicking. This weakness could help Pereira, another renowned striking fighter who uses leg kicks effectively.
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Magomed Ankalaev’s mind is already made up that he might want to early open with leg kicks drawing on some successful tendencies of his opponents. He has already shown to favor his lead leg in previous fights, a clear hindrance to mobility and an upper hand for Pereira whenever it comes to keeping good striking exchanges. This became explicit during the fight of Ankalaev versus Paul Craig when Ankalaev clearly struggled to stay balanced and also to move because of the targeted attacks on his legs.
Leg kicks are particularly dangerous as they throw off an opponent’s rhythm and diminish the range of engagement: Alex Pereira could target Ankalaev’s legs, thus taking away his movement ability, which could force Ankalaev into a more defensive position. This would both hinder Magomed Ankalaev’s ability to defend himself against striking and open doors for Alex Pereira to land his counterattack.
Alex Pereira’s Striking Style and Strategy.
Though still little known compared to some of the big names, Alex Pereira remains a fearsome knockout artist in the MMA community and has a kickboxing background that focuses on delivering powerful strikes from different angles. He effectively works between both high and low attacks, which makes him dangerous. In most cases, Pereira comes out by firing in left leg kicking to assert dominance to establish the pace of the fight.
Given Magomed Ankalaev’s susceptibility to leg kicks, it is likely the Alex Pereira will introduce that into his game plan at UFC 313. Thus, Pereira may be able to deliver sustained shots to Ankalaev’s legs to eliminate his mobility while simultaneously establishing combinations that carry finality.
Anticipated Outcomes from Targeting Ankalaev’s Legs
By employing a leg-kick strategy with successful application, Alex Pereira’s effects could result in:
Reduced Mobility:
Targeting Magomed Ankalaev’s legs with a steady barrage, as previously stated, could definitely punish his movement. This means Ankalaev would have difficulties escaping punches and setting himself in a good position on counterattacks.
I’ll fight anybody, anywhere. I have the height and the size of a heavyweight, but this is a thing that’s got to be programmed, put some work in. It’s not just something I jump in on. I want to make
things the right way. I can definitely fight at heavyweight. Maybe
some day in the future.
Alex Pereira UFC champ on potential move to heavyweight
(via The MacLife)
Heightened Risk of Injury:
When continuous leg kicks happen, a corresponding degree of injury may arise, including contusions, if not ligament tears, over time. Unless Magomed Ankalaev adjusts to the circumstances rapidly during the fight, he may soon become effectively nonfunctioning.
Psychological Impact:
Psychologically, an opponent such as Magomed Ankalaev may become more tentative or over-cautious proving a bonus to the fighter executing it. Thus Alex Pereira may further benefit from such a switch to concentrate on executing a game plan without being threatened.
Conclusion: Advantage on a Tactical Front for Alex Pereira
In conclusion, in that Magomed Ankalaev leads toward being ineffective against leg kicks, it provides an opportunity for Alex Pereira at UFC 313. Alex Pereira could capitalize on this liability by getting active on that target early on in the fight to wrest control of the overall fighting dynamic and therefore enhance his chances for a victory.
Aditya Khare