Former UFC middleweight contender Krzysztof Jotko shared his thoughts on the upcoming Alex Pereira Magomed Ankalaev rematch during an interview on Bowks Talking Bouts. Speaking ahead of his victory at Oktagon 74 in the Tipsport Gamechanger tournament, Jotko expressed that he believes the second fight will play out much like their initial encounter.

Jotko recalled that he had previously accepted a fight with Pereira months before it happened, but the bout was canceled as Pereira eventually faced Bruno Silva later in 2021. He emphasized that the momentum has shifted since their last meeting and predicted a back-and-forth battle once again.

“I think this fight [Pereira vs. Ankalaev II] [is] going to play [out] the same like the last fight, you know. I think Alex make the money. He have his moments and now I think it’s Ankalaev’s moment. You know, the moment change. Yes, I have offered fights to Alex. I think it was the second fight of Alex in the UFC.” —Krzysztof Jotko, Former UFC Middleweight

“I have offered to fight him for like a six, eight weeks short, short notice. But I agree, I want to fight him. But eventually he cancel this fight and he choose different opponents, you know. Because he said my fight with me, fighting him going to be boring. But I don’t know if it’s going to be boring.” —Krzysztof Jotko, Former UFC Middleweight

“I think for his second fight he was not that experienced in the wrestling. I was looking for my best in the wrestling. I would try to take him down and try to choke him or maybe break him [with] the ground and pound. So, you know, I don’t know how this fight [himself vs. Pereira] will happen. That never happened.” —Krzysztof Jotko, Former UFC Middleweight

Insights on Alex Pereira’s Wrestling Advancement from a Top Grappler

Renowned for his exceptional takedown defense and ranked among the top UFC middleweights in that category, Jotko provided perspective on whether Pereira has notably enhanced his wrestling since joining the UFC. Citing Pereira’s training with veteran grappler Glover Teixeira, he acknowledged some wrestling improvement but questioned how much progress can realistically be made in a limited time frame.

Jotko drew a parallel to Magomed Ankalaev’s extensive wrestling background, highlighting the difference between seasoned wrestlers and those newer to the discipline. He stressed that mastering wrestling requires years of dedicated training, using his own experiences training with elite wrestlers to illustrate the gap in skill levels.

“Yeah, I think he; of course he improved his wrestling. You know, he trained with [Glover] Teixeira and 100% he improved his wrestling. But I don’t know [if] you can improve your wrestling [in] that short time like very good. You know what I mean?” —Krzysztof Jotko, Former UFC Middleweight

“Some people train wrestling for a long, long time. Like Ankalaev probably he train wrestling the same like Pereira kickboxing, you know. Even he train from like four years, five years old. you know. So I think it’s different.” —Krzysztof Jotko, Former UFC Middleweight

“The same is for me it’s different when I train with people who are wrestlers or I train with people who learn wrestling, you know what I mean? There is a big difference because if I train with Johnny Eblen and he grab me, I’ll feel his power and I feel how good he is. If somebody grabbed me who just learned the wrestling, it’s [a] little different, you know. I feel completely different.” —Krzysztof Jotko, Former UFC Middleweight

Jotko’s Perspective on Fight Dynamics and Wrestling in MMA

Jotko reflected on the tactical challenges he anticipated when preparing for a potential fight against Pereira. He focused on grappling as a key area where he sought to capitalize, aiming for takedowns, submission attempts, and ground-and-pound—a strategy that was never tested as the matchup did not occur. His analysis enhances understanding of how both fighters’ strengths and styles could influence the rematch’s outcome.

This prediction holds particular weight given Jotko’s history for exceptional wrestling within the middleweight division and his insight into Pereira’s evolving skill set.

What the Rematch Means for Both Fighters and the Middleweight Division

The anticipated Alex Pereira Magomed Ankalaev rematch carries significant implications for UFC’s middleweight championship landscape. Both competitors have demonstrated high-level striking and grappling skills, which makes this second meeting pivotal as they vie for control in the division. Jotko’s comments suggest a closely contested fight, with each competitor having moments to assert dominance.

As Pereira continues developing his wrestling under guidance from Glover Teixeira and Ankalaev leverages his lifelong wrestling experience, fans should expect a compelling tactical battle. The rematch will likely confirm whether Pereira’s improvements can counterbalance Ankalaev’s grappling base or if the momentum will decisively shift.

The outcome of this fight could reshape rankings and title contention, further intensifying the middleweight division’s competitiveness in upcoming UFC events.