Magomed Ankalaev claimed the light-heavyweight title after a dominant win over Alex Pereira at UFC 313 in Las Vegas. The Russian fighter controlled the fight from start to finish, leaving Pereira unable to land his usual powerful strikes. The judges scored the fight 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46, giving Ankalaev the victory and the title.
Ankalaev was emotional after the fight. “I can’t describe this feeling. It took so long to achieve my dream, but now the title is mine,” he said. “I expected everything. I could have fought better, but I’m happy with the win. Thanks to my team, my country, and Dagestan—we secured another belt!”
Pereira Faces His Toughest Challenge
Alex Pereira’s UFC career has been nothing short of remarkable. He entered the UFC in 2021 and quickly climbed the ranks. In just seven fights, Pereira won titles in two weight classes, a record-breaking achievement. He became the middleweight champion, then moved to light-heavyweight. He defended his title three times in 2023 and earned UFC Fighter of the Year honors alongside Ilia Topuria.
But at UFC 313, Pereira met his toughest opponent yet. Many believed Ankalaev’s wrestling and grappling would be key to his success. Instead, Ankalaev used relentless pressure and striking to control the fight. Pereira struggled to get into a rhythm, unable to find his usual comfort zone.
Ankalaev had been undefeated since 2018, having won 11 straight fights before this title shot. He came into this fight after a draw with Jan Blachowicz in 2022 had cost him the title. But this time, Ankalaev made no mistakes.
Ankalaev Takes Control Early
The first round saw Pereira landing some powerful leg kicks, leaving marks on Ankalaev’s calf. Despite the damage, Ankalaev remained calm. By the end of the round, Pereira had gained some momentum, but Ankalaev was still in the fight.
In round two, Ankalaev took charge. He landed several clean punches, including a straight left hand that rocked Pereira just before the bell. From then on, Ankalaev pushed the pace, refusing to let Pereira settle into his rhythm.
In the middle rounds, Pereira continued to rely on his leg kicks, but Ankalaev countered with sharp punches and front kicks. By round four, Ankalaev showed his grappling skills, pushing Pereira against the cage. This slowed Pereira down, leaving him winded and struggling to keep up.
Pereira’s Attempts to Fight Back
Pereira did have some moments of success. He landed a head kick and a jab that briefly stunned Ankalaev. But these were isolated shots. Ankalaev continued to dominate the fight, controlling the cage and keeping the pressure on.
As the fight entered the final round, Ankalaev finished strong. He forced Pereira against the cage and landed several strikes. Pereira’s attempts to regain control were thwarted by Ankalaev’s constant pressure.
When the final bell rang, both fighters celebrated, but Ankalaev had done enough to win the fight. The victory ended Pereira’s reign as light-heavyweight champion and denied him a fourth successful title defense in less than a year. Meanwhile, Ankalaev extended his winning streak to 12 fights.
Pereira’s Response to the Loss
After the fight, Pereira was gracious in defeat. “I knew it would be tough. He pressured me in the second round, but against the cage, he didn’t accomplish much,” Pereira said. “I’ll keep training. I feel great, I’ll take a short break and get back to work. This is my life.”
Ankalaev’s victory marks a new chapter in his career. After years of hard work and perseverance, he is now the light-heavyweight champion. With a perfect 12-fight win streak, Ankalaev is set to be a dominant force in the UFC for years to come.
Gaethje Shines in the Co-Main Event
In the co-main event, Justin Gaethje returned to the Octagon after a year-long break. Gaethje faced Rafael Fiziev in a thrilling bout. After three rounds of intense action, Gaethje came out on top with a decision victory. His striking was sharp, and he looked in excellent form after his knockout loss to Max Holloway a year ago.
Gaethje’s performance showed that he is still one of the best in the lightweight division. His win over Fiziev places him back in the title hunt, and fans can expect more exciting matchups in the future.
With Magomed Ankalaev now holding the light-heavyweight title and Justin Gaethje back in top form, the UFC’s future looks exciting. Both fighters have proven they belong at the top of their divisions, and there are many more battles to come. Fans can look forward to intense rivalries, thrilling fights, and new champions.
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