Magomed Ankalaev Dethrones Alex Pereira at UFC 313
Magomed Ankalaev dethroned Alex Pereira by unanimous decision in the main event of UFC 313 on March 8, 2025, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The judges scored the light heavyweight title fight 49-46, 48-47, and 48-47 for Ankalaev, who became champion after five measured rounds. It was Pereira’s first loss at light heavyweight and the first time he had surrendered the UFC belt in that division.
Ankalaev’s pressure changed the rhythm
The championship contest played out as a tactical contrast. Pereira looked to use his reach and counterstriking power, while Ankalaev worked to close distance, press the champion toward the fence, and make the fight more than a kickboxing exchange. The challenger mixed his measured striking with clinch pressure and positional control, limiting the number of clean, extended striking exchanges.
Pereira remained dangerous throughout, and he pushed forward late in the fifth round, landing a head kick as he tried to change the fight’s momentum. Ankalaev stayed composed and continued working behind his pressure. The judges’ scorecards reflected their view that the challenger had done enough over the five rounds to take the championship.
Official scorecards made Ankalaev champion
The UFC’s official result was Ankalaev by unanimous decision, with scores of 49-46, 48-47, and 48-47. The win extended his unbeaten streak to 14 fights and capped a long push toward a title opportunity. For Pereira, it ended a run of successful light heavyweight title defenses and marked his first defeat since moving up to the division.
The decision drew immediate debate from fans and fighters, as close rounds can be scored differently depending on how judges weigh striking, pressure, and control. The official cards, however, were consistent in naming Ankalaev the winner. Both athletes spoke afterward about the contest, and Pereira indicated that he wanted to return and pursue another opportunity.
The rivalry continued at UFC 320
The result set up a rematch later that year. At UFC 320 on October 4, 2025, Pereira regained the light heavyweight championship with a first-round TKO of Ankalaev at 1:20. That follow-up changed the title picture again, but the UFC 313 decision remains the bout that first gave Ankalaev the belt and ended Pereira’s initial reign at 205 pounds.
UFC 313 also featured Justin Gaethje’s win over Rafael Fiziev and a number of finishes across the card. The promotion’s official scorecards list the decision and round-by-round totals; its event analysis reviews the tactical outcome. Ankalaev’s Octagon interview appears below.
Since the UFC 320 rematch, both fighters have competed again. Pereira lost to Ciryl Gane by second-round TKO in their interim heavyweight title bout at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14, 2026. Ankalaev returned at UFC Abu Dhabi on July 25 and stopped Bogdan Guskov by TKO at 2:41 of the fifth round. The official UFC Freedom 250 results and UFC Abu Dhabi results recap both fights.
