Alex Pereira’s Manager: ‘Ankalaev Would Get Knocked Out’ Facing Pereira

Many believe that if Alex Pereira moved up in weight again, he would be successful, but no one is more confident in his skills than his manager.

Ahead of UFC 301, manager Jorge “Joinha” Guimaraes spoke to Sherdog about the future of his fighter, Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight champion Pereira. While some expect that the next challenge for “Poatan” will be Russian wrestler Magomed Ankalaev, Guimaraes threw some cold water on that potential pairing, while discussing additional options including a potential shift in weight for the 205-pound king.

“Not necessarily it will be Ankalaev,” Guimaraes noted. “I don’t think Ankalaev moves the needle, but whatever they bring, I think Alex is ready for anything. He doesn’t choose opponents.”

If Ankalaev is indeed the next contender for the throne, the manager of “Poatan” expresses the utmost of confidence in his client.

“Ankalaev would have a hard time [taking] him down. I think Ankalaev would be knocked out 100%,” Guimaraes boasted.

After his win at UFC 300, Pereira floated the idea of moving up to heavyweight to challenge for another belt. While injuries prevented him from returning at UFC 301, he still has interest in going up in weight.

“He wants to go up [to heavyweight] and he is gonna give a lot of trouble to the heavy guys. At this moment, I think it would be impossible for [Jon Jones to beat ‘Poatan,’” the manager concluded.