Here’s a bold statement: Magomed Ankalaev’s stunning defeat at UFC 320 wasn’t just about Alex Pereira’s knockout power—it was also about a rib injury that’s sparked a firestorm of debate. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was Ankalaev’s injury a legitimate setback or a convenient excuse? UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier is stepping into the ring to set the record straight, and his insights might just surprise you.
Ankalaev’s reign as the UFC light heavyweight champion came to an abrupt end last weekend when Alex Pereira knocked him out in their highly anticipated rematch. This loss marked Ankalaev’s first defeat since his UFC debut in 2018, leaving fans and critics alike scrambling for answers. Hours after the event, Ankalaev’s manager dropped a bombshell: the fighter had entered the octagon with a rib injury. A viral clip of Ankalaev receiving injections weeks before the fight only added fuel to the fire, with many accusing him of making excuses for the loss.
And this is the part most people miss: Daniel Cormier, a respected voice in the MMA community, has come to Ankalaev’s defense, insisting the injury was not only real but severe enough that his team advised him to withdraw from the event. In a recent YouTube video, Cormier shared insider knowledge, revealing he’d seen footage of Ankalaev receiving rib injections in an attempt to compete. ‘Magomed Ankalaev did have a rib injury, this is not a lie, and this is not an excuse,’ Cormier stated firmly. He explained that while Ankalaev managed to train lightly for a month and a half, he was far from 100%.
Here’s the kicker: Even Cormier admits he’s unsure if a fully healthy Ankalaev would have changed the outcome, given Pereira’s dominant performance. ‘I know some people close to [Magomed] who told him not to fight, but he wanted to prove himself,’ Cormier added. Ankalaev’s determination to secure a second win over Pereira and solidify his legacy was undeniable, but his compromised condition may have sealed his fate.
To add another layer to this drama, Pereira himself revealed he suffered a potential foot injury mid-fight, raising questions about how long the two-time champion will be sidelined. Now, here’s the controversial question: Did Ankalaev’s injury truly cost him the fight, or was Pereira simply the better fighter that night? And should fighters be more transparent about injuries before stepping into the octagon? Let’s keep the conversation going—share your thoughts in the comments below!
