Magomed Ankalaev stunned the MMA world at UFC 313 in Las Vegas by upsetting the formidable Alex Pereira to win the light-heavyweight title by unanimous decision. In a fight that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Ankalaev’s relentless pressure and aggressive approach prevented Pereira—who had rapidly ascended to stardom as a two-division champion—from finding his usual rhythm and landing his signature, devastating strikes.

Right from the opening bell, Ankalaev imposed his will on the bout, pressuring Pereira with a mix of hard-hitting strikes and calculated grappling exchanges. The judges’ scorecards—48-47, 48-47, and 49-46—reflected a contest where the Russian fighter’s constant forward momentum ultimately overwhelmed the defending champion. Pereira, known for his speed and kickboxing prowess, struggled to adapt to Ankalaev’s strategy of controlling the pace and limiting his opportunities to strike effectively.

In the midst of the action, moments of high drama punctuated the fight. Despite Pereira’s early leg kicks and attempts to assert his power, it was a pivotal straight left by Ankalaev in the second round that shifted the momentum, igniting the crowd and setting the tone for the remainder of the bout. As the final round unfolded, Ankalaev’s ability to control the cage and wear down his opponent was on full display, ensuring that he maintained the upper hand until the final bell.

After the fight, an emotional Ankalaev expressed his elation: “I can’t put it into words, it’s been such a long wait to reach my dream—the title is on my waist.” His victory not only marked his 12th consecutive win but also served as a redemption after missing out on a title shot in 2022 following a split draw. Meanwhile, for Pereira, the loss represents a setback in an otherwise meteoric rise in the UFC, leaving fans eagerly anticipating his comeback.

The event also featured an electrifying co-main event, where American fighter Justin Gaethje secured a win over Rafael Fiziev, adding to the night’s overall excitement. UFC 313 has proven to be a memorable milestone in combat sports, highlighting the unpredictable and thrilling nature of mixed martial arts.

Who is Magomed Ankalaev:

Magomed Ankalaev is a dynamic Russian mixed martial artist known for his aggressive fighting style and technical prowess inside the octagon. Unbeaten since 2018, he built an impressive record with 11 consecutive victories leading up to this high-stakes encounter. His fighting approach combines powerful striking with effective grappling, making him a versatile threat in the light-heavyweight division. Previously, Ankalaev experienced a setback with a split draw against Jan Blachowicz in 2022 that cost him a title shot. This loss fueled his determination to return stronger, and his performance at UFC 313, where he showcased relentless pressure and strategic control, signaled his arrival as a serious title contender on the global stage.

Who is Alex Pereira:

Alex Pereira, the Brazilian sensation, quickly rose to prominence with his exceptional striking skills and record-breaking achievements in the UFC.

Known primarily for his devastating kickboxing background, Pereira made an explosive entry into MMA, becoming a two-division champion in just seven fights—a record that underscores his rapid ascent in the sport. As the defending light-heavyweight champion, he had built a reputation for his precision, speed, and knockout power, highlighted by three successful title defenses prior to his clash with Ankalaev. Pereira’s dynamic style and ability to captivate fans with his explosive performances made him one of the UFC’s brightest stars, though his loss at UFC 313 marks a turning point that fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as he plans his return to the octagon.