A New Champion is Crowned: Magomed Ankalaev Wins at UFC 313
The world of mixed martial arts witnessed a thrilling showdown at UFC 313, held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on March 8, 2025. Russian fighter Magomed Ankalaev stepped into the octagon to challenge reigning light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira of Brazil in a highly anticipated bout. In a closely contested five-round fight, Ankalaev emerged victorious, earning a unanimous decision from the judges with scores of 49-46, 48-47, and 48-47. This victory not only crowned Ankalaev as the new light heavyweight champion but also extended his impressive winning streak to 14 consecutive fights.
Ankalaev’s performance was a testament to his well-rounded skill set, as he effectively combined striking and wrestling to outlast Pereira. The Brazilian, known for his knockout power, was unable to finish Ankalaev despite his best efforts. Instead, it was Ankalaev who controlled the pace of the fight, applying relentless pressure and showcasing his durability even in the final round. The win marks a significant milestone in Ankalaev’s career, solidifying his position as one of the top light heavyweights in the UFC.
The Fight: Ankalaev’s Strategy and Performance
Ankalaev’s victory over Pereira was a masterclass in strategy and endurance. From the opening bell, the Russian fighter utilized his wrestling background to neutralize Pereira’s striking, which has been a key factor in the Brazilian’s success. Ankalaev’s ability to close the distance and clinch prevented Pereira from landing his signature knockout blows, forcing the champion to operate outside of his comfort zone.
The judges’ scorecards reflected Ankalaev’s dominance, as he won four out of the five rounds on two of the cards and three out of five on the third. While Pereira had moments of brilliance, particularly in the later rounds when he tried to sanitize the damage and push the pace, it was Ankalaev who consistently applied pressure and landed the more impactful strikes. The Russian’s conditioning also played a crucial role, as he maintained a high work rate throughout the 25-minute contest, leaving Pereira visibly fatigued in the final round.
Dana White on the Rematch Possibility
In the aftermath of UFC 313, UFC President and CEO Dana White addressed the media, sharing his thoughts on the fight and its implications. When asked about the possibility of an immediate rematch between Ankalaev and Pereira, White responded with a single word: "Probably." This response suggests that the UFC is leaning toward booking a second bout between the two fighters, given the competitive nature of their first encounter and the high stakes involved.
White also admitted that the fight did not unfold as he had expected. He had anticipated more takedowns and striking exchanges but was instead treated to a grueling contest that tested both fighters’ limits. Despite the outcome, White praised Ankalaev for his performance, noting the relentless pressure he applied throughout the fight. However, he also acknowledged the challenges Pereira faced, particularly in the fifth round when his corner urged him to go all out and try to finish the fight.
White’s Comments on Pereira’s Preparation
During the post-event press conference, White was also asked about Pereira’s recent schedule, which included appearances in Australia during a time when he could have been deep in training camp. White deflected the question, stating that it was something Pereira would need to address personally. However, he did acknowledge that such distractions can be a reality for fighters who achieve stardom and start earning significant money.
White emphasized that everyone involved in the fight knew Ankalaev would be a formidable opponent for Pereira, describing the bout as "probably the biggest challenge of his career." Despite Pereira’s status as the reigning champion, Ankalaev’s skills and determination made him a tough matchup, and the outcome of the fight was a testament to the Russian’s abilities.
Reactions and Implications
The victory for Ankalaev has sent shockwaves through the light heavyweight division, with fans and analysts alike praising his performance. The Russian’s ability to neutralize Pereira’s striking and control the pace of the fight has cemented his reputation as one of the most well-rounded fighters in the UFC. At the same time, Pereira’s loss has raised questions about his preparation and whether external distractions affected his performance.
An immediate rematch between Ankalaev and Pereira would be a logical next step, given the competitive nature of their first bout and the high stakes involved. However, it remains to be seen how Pereira will respond to the loss and whether he can reclaim his title in a second encounter. For now, Ankalaev stands as the new light heavyweight champion, ready to defend his title against the division’s best contenders.
Conclusion: What’s Next for Ankalaev and Pereira
The UFC light heavyweight division is bracing for an exciting era with Magomed Ankalaev at the helm. The Russian’s victory at UFC 313 has opened up new possibilities for the division, with several top contenders vying for a shot at the title. While an immediate rematch with Alex Pereira seems likely, Ankalaev’s first title defense will undoubtedly be highly anticipated, regardless of the opponent.
For Pereira, the road to redemption begins now. The Brazilian must regroup and refocus, addressing any issues that may have hindered his performance at UFC 313. Should he secure a rematch, Pereira will have the opportunity to prove that he is still among the best in the world, but he will need to bring his A-game if he hopes to reclaim the title.
As the MMA world looks to the future, one thing is certain: the light heavyweight division is in good hands with fighters like Ankalaev and Pereira pushing the boundaries of excellence. Whether it’s through a rematch or new matchups, the fights ahead promise to deliver the excitement and drama that fans have come to expect from the UFC.
