Magomed Ankalaev, the fighter from Dagestan, delivered one of the most surprising victories of the year in the UFC by defeating Alex Pereira by unanimous decision to claim the light heavyweight title at UFC 313. The judges' scorecards reflected Ankalaev's dominance, with scores of 49-46, 48-47, and 48-47, securing his new position as champion on a historic night in Las Vegas.

The Fight and Ankalaev's Strategy

Pereira, who had dominated the division in 2024, entered the fight aiming to surpass Jon Jones' title defense record. However, he did not show his best form. Though he started with an aggressive pace and his feared kicking game, he couldn't maintain the pressure on the Russian. Ankalaev, on the other hand, was solid, controlling the center of the octagon and neutralizing Pereira's attacks with his clinch game, effectively shutting down "Poatan's" offense.

Ankalaev's Victory and His New Place in History

As the rounds went on, Pereira became increasingly passive. His lethal left hand failed to have the expected impact, and he couldn't handle the constant pressure from Ankalaev. The Russian maintained a smart strategy, staying calm and applying relentless pressure. In the end, Ankalaev was crowned champion in a clear and well-deserved victory.

After the fight, Ankalaev emphasized the importance of taking the initiative and pressuring a dangerous opponent like Pereira. Pereira, although disappointed, acknowledged his opponent's superiority and promised to return stronger. With this victory, Ankalaev not only became champion but also solidified his place as the third Dagestani light heavyweight champion in UFC history, following the footsteps of Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev.