WEBDESK: Magomed Ankalaev is the new UFC light heavyweight champion after defeating Alex Pereira in the Pereira vs Ankalaev fight at UFC 313 on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Ankalaev won by unanimous decision, with judges scoring it 49-46, 48-47, and 48-47 in his favor.
The highly anticipated Pereira vs Ankalaev matchup saw Pereira start strong, landing effective leg kicks in the opening round. However, Ankalaev quickly adjusted, using forward pressure and powerful strikes to take control. Throughout the fight, Pereira managed to defend all 12 of Ankalaev’s takedown attempts, but Ankalaev’s striking dominance and clinch work secured him the victory.
The fight remained competitive throughout. Pereira started strong with a tactical opening round, but Ankalaev responded in Round 2, landing multiple left hands before rocking Pereira with a powerful shot in the final 10 seconds.
Pereira recovered between rounds and remained dangerous, with Round 3 being one of the closest of the fight. Ankalaev controlled the pace, while Pereira relied on counterstriking while retreating.
With this win, Ankalaev extends his unbeaten streak to 14 fights since his UFC debut loss to Paul Craig. Meanwhile, Pereira suffered his first defeat in the light heavyweight division, ending his five-fight winning streak.
The UFC 313 results also included other exciting fights. In the co-main event, Justin Gaethje defeated Rafael Fiziev by unanimous decision, putting himself back in lightweight title contention. Ignacio Bahamondes also made a statement by submitting Jalin Turner in the first round.
Despite last-minute changes to the card due to fighters falling ill with norovirus, UFC 313 delivered thrilling matchups. With talk of a possible rematch, the Pereira vs Ankalaev rivalry may not be over yet.
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