The UFC has long been the top promotion in mixed martial arts (MMA), but recent events have led many to question its future. **Brendan Schaub**, former UFC fighter and popular podcast host, recently shared his thoughts on the potential consequences of **Magomed Ankalaev** defeating **Alex Pereira**. Schaub expressed his concerns about the direction of the UFC, stating that the promotion could face significant challenges moving forward. Moreover, he named the **UFC’s biggest star**, a title that could hold the key to the promotion’s success in the coming years.
In this article, we’ll dive into Schaub’s comments on Ankalaev’s win, what it means for the UFC, and who he believes is the promotion’s biggest star in the current landscape.
## **Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira: A Game-Changing Fight for the UFC**
The clash between **Magomed Ankalaev** and **Alex Pereira** was highly anticipated, with both fighters carrying significant weight in their respective divisions. **Ankalaev**, a top contender in the UFC’s **light heavyweight** division, has been on a dominant winning streak, showcasing his striking skills, power, and tactical fighting style. **Alex Pereira**, on the other hand, was a rising star in the **middleweight division**, known for his explosive knockout power and his unique background as a former kickboxing champion.
When Ankalaev defeated Pereira, Schaub pointed out that this could lead to **shifting dynamics** in the UFC’s roster and potentially change the way the promotion operates. While Ankalaev’s victory solidified his place as a top contender, Schaub argued that it could also signal potential difficulties for the UFC, particularly with respect to the direction of its marketing and star power.
## **Brendan Schaub’s Concerns: The UFC’s Future in Question?**
In Schaub’s view, the UFC could face challenges if the promotion is unable to maintain its **marketability** and attract the right level of **star power**. He expressed concerns that with fighters like Ankalaev rising to prominence, the UFC might struggle to create new, compelling storylines that engage fans and maintain the sport’s mass appeal.
Schaub believes that **Ankalaev’s victory** may disrupt the UFC’s current star system, and while Ankalaev is an elite fighter, he doesn’t yet have the same level of **charisma** or **crossover appeal** that has made stars like **Conor McGregor**, **Khabib Nurmagomedov**, and **Israel Adesanya** household names. Schaub pointed out that the UFC thrives on larger-than-life personalities who can not only deliver exciting fights but also create buzz and generate fan interest. Without a dominant figure to lead the charge, Schaub argued, the UFC might find itself in a tricky spot as the sport grows in popularity.
## **Who is the UFC’s Biggest Star?**
While Schaub acknowledged the strength and skill of fighters like **Magomed Ankalaev**, he went on to name the **UFC’s biggest star**—and the one fighter who can continue to drive the promotion forward: **Israel Adesanya**.
Adesanya, the reigning **middleweight champion**, has been one of the most captivating fighters in the UFC over the last few years. Known for his dynamic striking style and ability to **perform under pressure**, Adesanya has built a **massive following** both inside and outside of the octagon. Schaub pointed to **Adesanya’s marketability** and charisma, highlighting how he is able to attract fans who are not just interested in the sport, but also in his persona and unique story.
Schaub emphasized that Adesanya’s combination of **fighting talent**, **mental fortitude**, and **ability to capture the public’s attention** makes him a vital asset for the UFC’s future. He argued that as long as Adesanya remains a dominant force in the middleweight division and continues to build on his legacy, he will continue to be a driving factor in the UFC’s popularity.
## **What Does the UFC Need Moving Forward?**
According to Schaub, the UFC needs to keep an eye on its future stars and continue to invest in fighters who have the **potential to become mainstream stars**. This includes athletes who not only have exceptional fighting skills but also the **charisma** and **appeal** necessary to sell fights, generate sponsorships, and draw casual fans to the sport.
While **Ankalaev** may be one of the most talented fighters in the UFC, Schaub argued that the promotion will need more than just exceptional fighters—it will need **personalities** who can create buzz, rivalries, and exciting narratives. In short, **star power** is key for the UFC to maintain its dominance in the combat sports world.
## **The UFC’s Future Hinges on the Right Stars**
The UFC is undoubtedly facing some challenges, especially with fighters like **Magomed Ankalaev** rising to the top without the same level of mainstream appeal as other champions. Brendan Schaub’s insight into the situation highlights an important point: **the UFC needs to prioritize star power** alongside athletic excellence to maintain its position as the world leader in mixed martial arts.
With **Israel Adesanya** continuing to lead the charge, and new stars like **Ankalaev** slowly emerging, it’s clear that the UFC’s future will depend on the promotion’s ability to identify and nurture **charismatic champions** who can capture the attention of fans worldwide. As the landscape of MMA continues to evolve, we’ll have to see if the UFC can adapt and continue to thrive.