Pereira’s Rematch Finish Took the Belt Back From Ankalaev

Alex Pereira reclaimed the UFC light heavyweight championship by stopping Magomed Ankalaev on October 4, 2025, at UFC 320. The rematch at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas ended by technical knockout at 1:20 of the first round, reversing the outcome of their March meeting.

The return meeting demanded a different opening

Ankalaev had taken the title by unanimous decision at UFC 313 on March 8. That result gave the second fight a straightforward championship question: whether Pereira could reclaim the belt from the opponent who had beaten him over five rounds.

Pereira answered by advancing immediately. His urgency reduced Ankalaev’s opportunity to establish the measured pace that had characterized their earlier contest.

A right hand opened the finishing sequence

Pereira landed a powerful right hand that hurt Ankalaev and sent him down. The Brazilian followed rather than allowing the champion space to recover and reset.

Punches, hammerfists and elbows followed on the ground. Referee Herb Dean intervened as Pereira continued striking, bringing the scheduled five-round championship contest to an end after eighty seconds.

The title changed hands through a decisive stoppage

The result returned Pereira to the top of the division and gave each fighter one victory in their two meetings. The manner of the rematch victory differed sharply from the first bout’s judges’ decision.

Pereira’s finish also closed a card on which Merab Dvalishvili retained the bantamweight title against Cory Sandhagen. In the main event, however, the championship changed hands through sustained offense before the opening round was halfway complete.

Sources

• MMA Fighting: finishing sequence
• Associated Press: rematch background and championship outcome
• UFC: event and official result

Tags

UFC, MMA