March 1, 2025 – As the highly anticipated light heavyweight title showdown at UFC 313 draws closer, tensions continue to build between champion Alex Pereira and his challenger, Magomed Ankalaev. In an unexpected twist, the Russian has taken to social media to poke fun at a peculiar training video posted by Pereira, in which the Brazilian appears to be practicing wrestling with his trainer Glover Teixeira in the middle of the snow. The fight, scheduled for March 8 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, promises to be one of the most exciting of the year, and this exchange only adds fuel to the fire.
The video in question, shared by Pereira on his social media, shows the light heavyweight champion training outdoors in a freezing environment. Shirtless and enduring the cold, Pereira and Teixeira, a former UFC champion, face off in a grappling session that has caught the attention of fans and, of course, of his next opponent.
The scene not only highlights Pereira’s dedication to improving his ground game — an area many consider key to Ankalaev’s style — but also his willingness to step outside his comfort zone. For Magomed Ankalaev, however, this effort seems more like showmanship than serious preparation. Responding to the video on X, Ankalaev wasted no time in delivering a scathing comment: “I hope you’re ready to do this for 25 minutes.”
The sarcastic comment suggests the Russian believes Pereira’s training will not be enough to withstand his relentless pace in the Octagon. Ankalaev, known for his grappling skills and stamina, appears confident he can dominate the Brazilian throughout the five rounds of the title fight.
This verbal exchange is just the latest chapter in a rivalry that has been heating up in recent weeks. Alex Pereira, nicknamed “Poatan,” has had a meteoric rise in the UFC since his debut in 2021. With a 12-2 record and three successful light heavyweight title defenses in 2024, the Brazilian has established himself as one of the most feared strikers in the division. However, facing Ankalaev, who sports a 20-1-1 record and a 13-fight unbeaten streak, could be his biggest challenge to date.
The Russian, a grappling master with solid striking, has vowed not only to beat Pereira but also to expose what he sees as an overvaluation of the champion’s abilities. Training on snow is not the first time Pereira has displayed unconventional methods. Accompanied by Teixeira, who has been a key figure in his transition from kickboxing to MMA, the Brazilian has worked tirelessly to strengthen his takedown defence, a crucial aspect against an opponent like Ankalaev. While some see this approach as a sign of commitment, Ankalaev interprets it as an opportunity to ridicule his rival.
In previous posts, the Russian has already criticized Pereira, calling him a “fake humble guy” and accusing him of focusing more on social media than his preparation. As UFC 313 approaches, fans are divided. Some praise Pereira’s creativity and effort, while others believe Ankalaev is right to question his approach. What is certain is that this clash of styles — Pereira’s lethal striking against Ankalaev’s versatility — promises an unforgettable spectacle. For now, the Russian’s taunts have added a personal touch to the fight, ensuring that March 8 will not only be a physical battle, but also a settling of scores.
