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Magomed Ankalaev finally ascended to the top of the UFC light heavyweight division, claiming the championship with a decisive unanimous decision win over Alex Pereira in the main event of UFC 313.
The victory culminated in a well-executed strategy that neutralized Pereira’s striking while imposing relentless pressure, both on the feet and in clinch exchanges against the cage.
The defining moment of the fight came in the second round when Ankalaev landed a thunderous left hook that stunned Pereira, shifting the momentum in favor of the Russian contender. Pereira found himself on the defensive for much of the remaining rounds as Ankalaev continued to apply calculated aggression.
When the final bell rang, the judges returned scorecards of 49-46, 48-47, and 48-47, crowning Ankalaev as the new light heavyweight champion. Overwhelmed with emotion, Ankalaev reflected on his journey to the title.
“I can’t even put it into words,” Ankalaev said after the win. “It’s been such a long way and here’s my dream. It’s on my waist.”
While Ankalaev celebrated his long-awaited championship, Pereira was left frustrated with the outcome. The former champion acknowledged the effectiveness of Ankalaev’s clinch work but expressed disappointment in how the fight was scored.
“I knew it would be a war. Every fight of mine is a war,” Pereira said. “He put some pressure in the second round. I felt some of his strikes, but putting me up against the cage, he didn’t really do anything.”
From the opening bell, Pereira looked to set the tone with his devastating calf kicks, targeting Ankalaev’s lead leg. While the kicks initially hampered Ankalaev’s movement, he quickly adjusted, returning fire with powerful strikes of his own. As Pereira looked to engage, he was caught by a massive overhand left in the second round that left him visibly shaken. Sensing an opportunity, Ankalaev increased his output, utilizing his clinch game to drain Pereira’s energy.
The championship rounds saw Ankalaev rely more on grappling, keeping Pereira pinned against the cage while delivering calculated knees and short strikes. Despite Pereira’s late attempt to rally with a head kick in the final round, Ankalaev remained composed, securing the victory with his tactical dominance.
With his first UFC championship in hand, Ankalaev now looks ahead to potential challengers, while Pereira hinted at a possible immediate rematch.
“I’m going to keep training,” Pereira said. “This is my life.”