Magomed Ankalaev claims 'dream' unanimous-decision victory over Alex Pereira to earn light-heavyweight title at UFC 313
Updated 09/03/2025 at 12:30 GMT
Magomed Ankalaev upset Alex Pereira with a unanimous decision victory to claim the light-heavyweight title at UFC 313 in Las Vegas on Saturday. Knockout artist Pereira, who had successfully defended his light-heavyweight crown on three occasions in 2024, failed to land any of his trademark blows against Ankalaev as he fell to a 48-47 48-47 49-46 loss on the judges' scorecards.
Highlights: Ankalaev beats Pereira to take title in unanimous decision
Video credit: TNT Sports
Magomed Ankalaev achieved a "dream" victory over Alex Pereira by unanimous decision to claim the light-heavyweight title at UFC 313 in Las Vegas.
The Russian was handed the win via to the judges' scorecards - 48-47, 48-47, 49-46 - earned by applying pressure on the defending champion throughout and limiting his ability to land any trademark knockout shots.
"I can’t even put it into words," Ankalaev said. "It’s been such a long way, and here’s my dream - it’s on my waist.
"I don’t think anything surprised me. I think I could have done a better job in the fight, but something just wasn’t working out.
"The plan was to pressure, pressure, pressure. Everyone who fights against him always counters, but my job was to fight as No 1."
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'My dream is on my waist!' - Ankalaev says 'plan worked' after dethroning Pereira
Video credit: TNT Sports
While Ankalaev came into the bout having won his last 11 fights, Pereira is one of the UFC’s biggest stars and was many people's favourite.
Indeed, Pereira became a two-division champion in a record low seven fights. Upon winning the middleweight title, Pereira earned the light-heavyweight crown, which he successfully defended on three occasions in 2024.
"I knew it would be a war," Pereira explained. "Every fight of mine is a war.
"He put on some pressure, I felt some of his strikes, but putting me up against the cage he didn’t really do anything.
"We followed our strategy, but giving him the win with a gameplan like that, it kind of incentivises people to [just hold you against the fence].
"I’m gonna take a few days off then get back to training."
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'I knew it would be a war' - Pereira reflects on narrow defeat to Ankalaev at UFC 313
Video credit: TNT Sports
In the co-main event, American Justin Gaethje beat Azerbaijan's Rafael Fiziev by decision, in his first fight since stopping Max Holloway by knockout a year ago.
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