Cejudo Slams Pereira: Too Much Jetsetting, Not Enough Training Before Ankalaev Fight

Look, I’ve been around the fight game long enough to know when a fighter’s focus is split. And that’s exactly what Henry Cejudo is suggesting happened with Alex Pereira before his upcoming bout with Magomed Ankalaev.

The former two-division UFC champion didn’t hold back when discussing “Poatan’s” globetrotting lifestyle heading into one of the most dangerous fights of his career.

Vacation Mode vs. Fight Camp: Pereira’s Priority Problem

If you’ve been following Pereira on social media lately, you’ve seen the man living his best life. Paris. Dubai. Brazil. The champ has been racking up frequent flyer miles like he’s trying to hit platinum status before summer ends.

But according to Olympic gold medalist and MMA veteran Henry Cejudo, that’s a recipe for disaster against someone like Ankalaev.

“When you’re fighting a killer like Magomed Ankalaev, you need to be 100% locked in,” Cejudo stated on his podcast. “Pereira’s been on this world tour when he should be drilling takedown defense and studying film. That’s concerning.”

The Ankalaev Challenge: A Different Beast

Let’s be real for a minute. Ankalaev isn’t Jon Jones or Jamahal Hill. The Dagestani fighter brings a completely different skill set to the table – relentless pressure, elite wrestling, and the kind of ground game that has given Pereira trouble in the past.

I’ve watched Ankalaev’s development closely over the years, and the man has evolved into one of the most technically sound fighters in the division. That’s why Cejudo’s concerns carry weight.

Pereira’s Defense vs. Ankalaev’s Offense

The Champ’s Response: Is Pereira Unbothered?

What makes this story even more interesting is Pereira’s apparent indifference to the criticism. The light heavyweight champion has maintained his typical stoic demeanor, posting training clips between vacation photos as if to say, “I got this.”

But is confidence enough against a fighter of Ankalaev’s caliber? History suggests otherwise.

“Champions who get too comfortable often find themselves looking up at the lights,” Cejudo warned. “I’ve seen it happen too many times in this sport.”

The Lifestyle Factor: Does It Really Matter?

Some fighters thrive on a relaxed approach. Georges St-Pierre famously incorporated vacation time into his fight camps. Anderson Silva often appeared to train casually before dominating opponents.

But Pereira is still relatively new to MMA. His kickboxing background gave him the striking advantage that carried him to championship gold, but against a well-rounded threat like Ankalaev, every training session counts.

I’ve interviewed enough fighters to know that preparation isn’t one-size-fits-all, but there’s a reason fight camps typically involve isolation and focus.

What’s At Stake For Pereira

Beyond just defending his belt, this fight represents Pereira’s chance to prove he’s not just a striker who found success in MMA. Beating someone like Ankalaev – especially if he can defend takedowns and show improved grappling – would silence many critics.

The question now becomes: will his preparation match the magnitude of the moment?

The Bottom Line

Whether Cejudo’s assessment proves prophetic or premature remains to be seen. But one thing’s for certain – the fight world is watching Pereira’s approach with heightened interest.

What do you think? Is Pereira’s travel schedule a legitimate concern, or is the champ just comfortable in his skin? Let me know in the comments.

Source: Vox Media