Magomed Ankalaev outlasted Alex Pereira at UFC 313, securing a unanimous decision win to become the new UFC light heavyweight champion.
Magomed Ankalaev is the new UFC light heavyweight champion after executing a disciplined game plan to defeat Alex Pereira via unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47 x2) at UFC 313 in Las Vegas.
The Dagestani fighter imposed relentless pressure, sharp counterstriking, and effective clinch control over five rounds to neutralize Pereira’s power and claim the title.
Ankalaev entered the fight as a slight -106 underdog with the top betting sites but delivered a measured and tactical performance to secure his long-awaited championship.
“It’s been such a long way, here’s my dream, it’s on my waist,” Ankalaev said post-fight.
“I’m really happy that I won. I’d like to say thank you to my team, to Russia, to Dagestan. Thank you, we have got another belt now.”
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Pereira started strong, targeting Ankalaev’s legs with heavy kicks in the opening rounds to slow his movement.
However, the challenger stayed patient, eventually closing the distance and landing a hard left hand that briefly wobbled the champion.
Ankalaev’s game plan became clear as he repeatedly forced Pereira against the fence, limiting his striking opportunities and controlling the exchanges.
As the fight progressed, Ankalaev leaned further into his grappling advantage, smothering Pereira in the clinch and wearing him down.
The fourth round saw him dominate the positional battle, frustrating the Brazilian, who struggled to create separation.
Pereira attempted a late rally in the fifth, landing a head kick and a few sharp combinations, but it wasn’t enough to sway the judges, who scored the fight in Ankalaev’s favor.
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After the fight, Pereira voiced his frustration with Ankalaev’s strategy.
“I knew it would be a war, every fight of mine is a war… he put some pressure in the second round, I felt some strikes. But putting me up against the cage, it didn’t really do anything,” Pereira said.
“Giving him the win with a game plan like that, it incentivizes people to do that. People may say it’s a boring style, but when someone gets a win, others may want to do that too.”
The scorecards sparked debate among fans and analysts, particularly the 49-46 ruling from one judge.
While some believed Pereira had done enough to retain his belt, others acknowledged Ankalaev’s control and effectiveness in dictating the fight’s pace.
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UFC president Dana White later suggested that a rematch could be in the works. When asked about running it back, White simply responded, “Probably.”
For now, Ankalaev becomes the 18th light heavyweight champion in UFC history, adding another championship belt to Dagestan’s growing legacy.
Whether Pereira gets an immediate shot at redemption remains to be seen, but their rivalry is far from over.
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