The sunshine heavyweight division has been given a significant shake-up courtesy of Magomed Ankalaev.
In upset style, Ankalaev’s grappling proved to be an excessive amount of for “Poatan,” because the Dagestani defeated Alex Pereira in the primary occasion of UFC 313 to turn into the brand new UFC mild heavyweight champion.
Pereira centered on leg kicks to start out the battle, whereas Ankalaev appeared to discover a manner inside. The challenger tried to extend his output and strain previous the midway level of the primary spherical, however Pereira continued to work the legs, chewing up Ankalaev’s proper leg.
Ankalaev appeared to strain and take management straight away within the second. And whereas Pereira continued to hassle him with leg kicks, it labored within the Russian’s favor. The challenger discovered success with quick strikes on the within, together with a strong one which rocked Pereira moments earlier than the top of the second spherical.
Ankalaev continued his development in a quiet third spherical, and although he couldn’t rating a takedown, he continued to seek out success. The fourth was quiet as effectively, with the challenger overwhelming the defending champion towards the fence quite a few occasions, fully dominating him with grappling management.
The Dagestani then took this technique into the fifth spherical, battling a last-ditch effort from Pereira, earlier than the judges all gave the battle and title to him, with a 49-46 scorecard and two 48-47s.
Magomed Ankalaev Captures UFC Mild Heavyweight Title With Choice Over Alex Pereira At UFC 313
— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) March 9, 2025
Magomed Ankalaev continues to stay unbeaten since dropping his 2018 UFC debut. He’s now received three straight.
The Russian had battled Jan Blachowicz to a controversial break up draw at UFC 282 in December 2022 — a battle that Blachowicz acknowledged he thought Ankalaev deserved the nod and title in.
In the meantime, Pereira’s reign involves an finish after successful the title with a end of Jiří Procházka at UFC 295. He defended the belt thrice final yr towards Jamahal Hill, Procházka, and Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 300, UFC 303, and UFC 307, respectively.
