Former UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has responded to accusations from Magomed Ankalaev`s coach, who claimed Pereira used a body ointment to gain an unfair advantage in grappling during their UFC 313 fight.
Despite appearing amicable after their UFC 313 match, tensions rose when Ankalaev`s coach made accusations against Pereira.
Pereira lost his light heavyweight title to Ankalaev via unanimous decision at UFC 313. While many expected Pereira to struggle against Ankalaev`s wrestling, he successfully defended all takedown attempts. This led Ankalaev`s coach to suggest a controversial reason for Pereira`s takedown defense success.
Ankalaev’s coach, Sukhrab Magomedov, alleged that Pereira used a greasy substance to make himself harder to grapple. Magomedov offered no proof and implied Pereira`s cornerman, Glover Teixeira, had a history of similar tactics.
Ankalaev himself has not supported his coach`s claims and agreed to a rematch with Pereira. However, Pereira has strongly denied Magomedov`s accusations.
In a recent interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, Pereira addressed the cheating allegations, stating, “I absolutely did not put anything on my body.” He believes the accusations are “an excuse to justify the fact that he trained a guy to take me down, but the guy got stuffed for 12 of his takedown attempts.”
Pereira questioned if the coach would also accuse them of applying oil to the mats, given Ankalaev`s falls. He expressed disappointment, emphasizing his clean record throughout his combat sports career, including his time in Glory kickboxing. He highlighted a past point deduction for excessive clinching as his only infraction, maintaining he always competes fairly.
Pereira emphasized his adherence to rules, which he believes is key to his success.
It`s worth noting that Pereira has never failed a drug test or been caught using prohibited substances in the Octagon. Accusations of greasing are not new in MMA, with past incidents involving figures like Georges St-Pierre.
Featherweight fighter Youssef Zalal also made similar accusations against Calvin Kattar earlier in the year.
Pereira Had Plans for Oleksandr Usyk Fight After UFC 313
Pereira revealed in the same interview that had he won against Ankalaev at UFC 313, he intended to call out boxer Oleksandr Usyk for a boxing match and pursue a heavyweight superfight after another title defense in MMA.
Despite UFC CEO Dana White dismissing a potential Pereira vs. Usyk crossover fight, Pereira has hinted at a boxing career after his MMA journey. He transitioned to MMA after a successful kickboxing career in Glory, where he won multiple titles.
Pereira has also expressed interest in moving to heavyweight to challenge the winner of a potential Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall fight. Negotiations for Jones vs. Aspinall are ongoing and expected to be finalized soon.
Currently, Pereira is focused on regaining his UFC light heavyweight title. If successful, he might resume his pursuit of fights with Jones, Aspinall, and Usyk.
