Ankalaev predicts Poatan's strategy in the rematch and guarantees dominance in the stand-up fight over his rival

Alex Poatán was defeated by Magomed Ankalayev No. UFC 313. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/UFC News

Just over a month away from the highly anticipated rematch against Alex Poata at UFC 320, Magomed Ankalayev expresses nothing but confidence for his first title defense on October 4. Having won a unanimous decision in the first meeting, the Russian once again appears as the favorite among bookmakers ahead of the fight.

When asked about his preparation and analysis for the fight against the Brazilian, Ankalaev didn't hesitate to assert that rematches have always been positive in his career. Still bold, the champion stated that he foresees the duel unfolding on the feet, due to the advantage he had over his rival in the UFC 313.

"I'm already in good shape, I'm ready. Only a month to go. Tomorrow or the day after tomorrow we'll fly to America (...) Well, I think the rematch will be much easier than the first fight, because statistics show that a rematch with me is always very dangerous. I think we'll confirm the same thing: that it's not worth getting into a rematch with me. Maybe this time it won't even be worth trying to take Alex to the ground, because, in fact, I was better standing. Anything is possible, maybe I'll do everything I can to dominate. If I have to grapple, I will; if I have to strike, I will strike. I don't think we'll have any problems anywhere," Ankalaev declared in an interview with Ushatayka.

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Poatan and Ankalaev face off before the UFC 313. Photo: Reproduction Instagram UFC

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Following his speech, Magomed pointed out Poatan's possible strategy for rematch and hoped that the Brazilian would arrive 100% on fight day, in order to avoid excuses if he is defeated again.

"And did you see the clips from Alex Pereira's training, where he's being taken down, but he always gets up? In other words, it's obvious he's preparing to get up. Yes, it's quite possible I won't take him down, because he's training for it. Well, let him train, let him prepare. On the contrary, I want him to come to this fight 100% ready, so that there are no doubts about the fight, so that there's no talk like in the last fight, that he wasn't prepared, that something wasn't done. I want him to arrive in good shape, and after our fight, I want him to have no excuses," he concluded.

Protagonists of UFC 320Ankalaev and Poatan will face off in Las Vegas (USA) on October 4th. Confident of another victory, the champion has toned down his provocations on social media and seems more focused on the upcoming duel.