Ankalaev posts photo on social media and raises suspicions about plan to beat Poatan at UFC 313

Magomed Ankalaev is a standout in the UFC light heavyweight division. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/UFC

Magomed Ankalayev is a standout in the UFC light heavyweight division. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/UFC

A simple photo posted by Magomed Ankalayev in Instagram stories caused a stir on social media for the UFC 313, an event held on March 8. The Russian appeared in a training session wearing wrestling shoes – an image that raised doubts about the true strategy he intends to adopt against the champion Alex Poatán. The fight is valid for the light heavyweight belt (up to 93 kg).

Although he has a history in sambo, Ankalaev had been presenting himself as a fighter who preferred to keep his fights standing and trusted his striking and control of the pace. In fact, the Russian himself had made it clear in interviews that his intention against Poatan was to exchange blows in the octagon.

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However, the image posted on Instagram has sparked a new wave of speculation. Wearing wrestling shoes, Ankalaev, a native of Dagestan – a region famous for the world’s best wrestlers – could be leaving a clue that if the exchange didn’t go as planned, he had a plan B ready.

The photo feeds the narrative that Ankalaev, while confident in his striking, also has the ability to adapt and transition between styles – something that could be an asset for the belt. Despite his early days, the upcoming light heavyweight title challenger has never defeated an opponent by submission.

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On the other side, Poatan is preparing to maintain his supremacy in the division. With a record of 12 wins, the Brazilian, who also previously held the middleweight belt, is one of the most feared fighters in the UFC. At 37 years old, he has already defeated big names such as Israel adesanya, Jamahal hill, Jan Blachowicz e Jiri Prochazka.