Magomed Ankalaev achieved a significant victory in his UFC career, claiming the light heavyweight championship by defeating Alex Pereira at UFC 313 in Las Vegas on Saturday.
Ankalaev (21-1-1), representing Russia and undefeated since March 2018, strategically outmaneuvered former kickboxing champion Pereira in striking exchanges. He applied consistent forward pressure and effectively used body knees, which exhausted Pereira. Ankalaev further capitalized by controlling Pereira against the cage and engaging in grappling.
“I am overwhelmed with emotion. This is a dream come true after a long journey,” Ankalaev expressed after securing the championship belt. His previous title attempt against Jan Blachowicz in December 2022 ended in a split draw.
Pereira (12-2), known for his knockout power with four previous wins by knockout, focused on leg kicks against Ankalaev early in the fight. However, Ankalaev responded in the second round, landing a strong left hand that staggered Pereira just before the round concluded.
Ankalaev maintained his momentum into the third round, delivering knees in close quarters as Pereira defended against takedown attempts. Ankalaev`s superior grappling skills became evident in the fourth round, where he pinned Pereira against the fence, effectively draining Pereira`s stamina.
Despite encouragement from his corner to rally, Pereira pressed forward in the final round and landed a head kick. Ultimately, it wasn`t enough to convince the judges, and the former middleweight champion suffered his third professional MMA defeat.
“My strategy was constant pressure. Most opponents try to counter him, but I aimed to fight as the dominant force,” Ankalaev explained.
Pereira acknowledged the tough fight but downplayed the damage taken. “I anticipated a war. He applied pressure in the second round, but when he had me against the cage, he wasn’t particularly effective,” Pereira commented.
“I will continue training. I feel fine, not seriously injured. I will take a short break and then resume training; this is my life,” Pereira concluded.
