Ankalaev Takes UFC Title From Pereira
Magomed Ankalaev defeated Alex Pereira by unanimous decision at UFC 313 on March 8, 2025. The five-round main event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas ended with scores of 49–46, 48–47 and 48–47, making Ankalaev the UFC light heavyweight champion.
Pereira’s low kicks met a stronger second-round response
Pereira attacked the challenger’s lead leg early while both men searched for punching range. Ankalaev increased his forward pressure in the second round and landed sharp punches, hurting the champion near the fence before the break.
The third round remained competitive, with Pereira returning to low kicks and Ankalaev continuing to seek openings with his hands. Neither secured a decisive finishing opportunity during that stretch.
Clinch pressure mattered in the championship rounds
Ankalaev closed the distance more assertively during the fourth, leaning on Pereira against the cage and continuing to advance after separations. That pressure added another phase to his attack.
Pereira had successful moments in the fifth, including a high kick, but the challenger had done enough across the completed contest. Every judge awarded Ankalaev the fight, ending Pereira’s championship reign.
The rivalry continued with an immediate rematch
The result gave Ankalaev the title through a full-distance tactical performance rather than a stoppage. Pereira subsequently received a return opportunity at UFC 320 on October 4, 2025.
That second meeting produced the opposite outcome: Pereira stopped Ankalaev with strikes at 1:20 of the first round and regained the belt. The pair therefore finished their two 2025 meetings with one championship victory apiece.
Sources
- UFC: low kicks, punching exchanges and clinch pressure
- UFC: March championship scorecards, date and venue
- UFC: October rematch and Pereira’s title-winning stoppage
