Magomed Ankalaev was supposed to have a massive grappling advantage over Alex Pereira when the top two light heavyweights met the first time for the UFC title in March, only to go 0-for-12 on takedown attempts.

Yet Ankalaev took the belt from the superstar striker by controlling the stand-up and keeping the former champion on his heels throughout most of the 25 minutes of a surprisingly lackluster fight.

The action has been more intriguing in the six months between that night and their rematch for the belt in the main event of UFC 320 on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena.

Between greasing allegations from Ankalaev and his coach questioning the legitimacy of Pereira’s legendary power, the war of words has escalated between the normally peaceful warriors.

“Obviously, there was a lot of things s

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