Alex Pereira accused of greasing by Magomed Ankalaev’s coach after UFC 313 clash
Magomed Ankalaev’s coach Sukhrab Magomedov has claimed that Alex Pereira might have been greasing at UFC 313, where Ankalaev was victorious but failed with all of his takedowns.
Ankalaev was a unanimous-decision winner against Pereira earlier this month, taking the light-heavyweight title from the Brazilian, yet the fight did not necessarily play out as expected.
The Russian outstruck kickboxing icon Pereira, while failing with all 12 of his takedown attempts – something that Ankalaev’s coach believes could be due to greasing.
Greasing is a trick that involves fighters coating themselves in a substance to make them more slippery and harder to hold. It was more common during the early days of MMA, and was reportedly most common in Brazil.
“When Magomed pushed him to the fence near our corner, it seemed to me that Pereira had some kind of substance on him,” Magomedov told Ushatayka.
“If my experience isn’t wrong, that’s what I’d say was the case. The sweat didn’t flow off his body, it gelled up. That’s what it looks like on his body, too. Magomed said afterwards that he smelled like he had some ointment on and was sticky.
“Let’s not forget that Glover Teixeira is a veteran of the game and knows all the tricks.”
Magomedov was referring to former light-heavyweight champion Teixeira, who is one of Pereira’s coaches and a fellow Brazilian.
The Independent has approached Pereira’s coaching team for comment.
Magomed Ankalaev’s coach accuses Alex Pereira of greasing during their fight 😳
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) March 16, 2025
“It seemed to me that Pereira was greased with something…
I think [Glover] Teixeira is experienced in these matters.”
🎥 Ushatayka #UFC#MMApic.twitter.com/miLSmTD4Aj
Ankalaev’s victory at UFC 313 brought an end to Pereira’s reign at 205lb, which began in November 2023, when the 37-year-old knocked out Jiri Prochazka to win the vacant belt.
In 2024, Pereira recorded three successful title defences – all via TKO – as he stopped Prochazka again, between wins over Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree Jr.
Meanwhile, 32-year-old Ankalaev extended his win streak to three by beating Pereira. Prior to that run, he recorded a No Contest against Johnny Walker, and a draw with Jan Blachowicz while fighting for the vacant belt in 2022.
Topics
-
Alex Pereira's coaches think he beat Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313, promise 'Poatan 2.0' in rematch
Alex Pereira's coaches disagree with the UFC 313 decision. Pereira (12-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) lost his light heavyweight title to Magomed Ankalaev (21-1-1 MMA, 12-1-1 UFC) by unanimous decision in ...Yahoo Sports - 3d -
Magomed Ankalaev wins undisputed light heavyweight belt with unanimous decision over Alex Pereira
Magomed Ankalaev scored a stunning upset with a unanimous decision to take Alex Pereira’s undisputed light heavyweight belt at UFC313ABC News - Mar. 9 -
UFC 313 results: Ankalaev dethrones Pereira, wins by unanimous decision
The UFC's light heavyweight division has a new champion, following Magomed Ankalaev's win over Alex Pereira.ESPN - Mar. 9 -
Brendan Schaub: 'The UFC's in some trouble' after Alex Pereira lost light heavyweight title
Brendan Schaub thinks Alex Pereira losing his title is a problem for the UFC. Pereira (12-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) lost his light heavyweight title to Magomed Ankalaev (21-1-1 MMA, 12-1-1 UFC) by unanimous ...Yahoo Sports - 2d -
UFC London: Jan Blachowicz's 'perfect scenario' includes rematching Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira
Jan Blachowicz hopes he can disrupt the UFC's plans of a rematch between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira. Ankalaev (21-1-1 MMA, 12-1-1 UFC) defeated Pereira (12-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) by unanimous ...Yahoo Sports - 3d -
Firas Zahabi: Alex Pereira went through analysis paralysis in UFC 313 title loss
Firas Zahabi thinks Magomed Ankalaev had Alex Pereira overthinking throughout the fight at UFC 313. Pereira (12-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) lost his light heavyweight title to Magomed Ankalaev (21-1-1 MMA, ...Yahoo Sports - 3d -
Ankalaev ends Pereira's UFC reign by decision
Magomed Ankalaev dethroned Alex Pereira on Saturday night, taking a unanimous decision to become the new light heavyweight champion in the main event of UFC 313.ESPN - Mar. 9 -
Chael Sonnen: 'The narrative that Alex Pereira can’t wrestle is over' after UFC 313
Chael Sonnen is still hopeful that Alex Pereira could pose Jon Jones problems after UFC 313. Pereira (12-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) lost his light heavyweight title to Magomed Ankalaev (21-1-1 MMA, 12-1-1 ...Yahoo Sports - 3d -
UFC 313 fight fall out: Next options for Alex Pereira, Magomed Ankalaev and Justin Gaethje after Saturday
The UFC would be wise to salvage what they can of Pereira's heavyweight runCBS Sports - Mar. 9
More from Yahoo Sports
-
Bucs attached to Scouting Combine star in new mock draft
Nick Emmanwori is the latest defender to be attached to the Bucs during the mock draft season.Yahoo Sports - 26m -
Braves' Spencer Strider sparkles in 1st spring start as he comes back from Tommy John surgery
Yahoo Sports - 27m -
Auburn's March Madness 2025 bracket considered the toughest by USA TODAY's Blake Toppmeyer
USA TODAY's Blake Toppmeyer predicts Auburn to run into a 'boobytrap' as the south region's top seed.Yahoo Sports - 30m -
How to watch the 2025 Valspar Championship on NBC, Golf Channel and more
The final stop of the PGA Tour's Florida Swing is here. Here's how to keep up with the action.Yahoo Sports - 30m -
Premiership to introduce away ends for rugby fans
Away sections are coming to the Gallagher Premiership with the league set to introduce two trials at the end of April. Telegraph Sport understands that the trials will take place at two fixtures – ...Yahoo Sports - 31m
More in Sports
-
Antonio vows to return to football after car crash
West Ham United forward Michail Antonio has insisted he will play professional football again after he recovers from being involved in a near-fatal road traffic collision in December.ESPN - 25m -
Bucs attached to Scouting Combine star in new mock draft
Nick Emmanwori is the latest defender to be attached to the Bucs during the mock draft season.Yahoo Sports - 26m -
Braves' Spencer Strider sparkles in 1st spring start as he comes back from Tommy John surgery
Yahoo Sports - 27m -
Auburn's March Madness 2025 bracket considered the toughest by USA TODAY's Blake Toppmeyer
USA TODAY's Blake Toppmeyer predicts Auburn to run into a 'boobytrap' as the south region's top seed.Yahoo Sports - 30m -
How to watch the 2025 Valspar Championship on NBC, Golf Channel and more
The final stop of the PGA Tour's Florida Swing is here. Here's how to keep up with the action.Yahoo Sports - 30m