Magomed Ankalaev Claims Victory Over Alex Pereira at UFC 313
In an electrifying main event at UFC 313 on Saturday night, Magomed Ankalaev triumphed over Alex Pereira, ending his reign as light-heavyweight champion. Pereira, who had taken the division by storm with three title defenses in just six months, faced off against Ankalaev at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Since stepping in at UFC 300 last April, Pereira had showcased his remarkable power, defeating notable fighters including Jamahal Hill, Jiri Prochazka, and Khalil Rountree Jr. However, Ankalaev presented a unique challenge with his wrestling and sambo background, raising the stakes of this highly anticipated matchup.
Despite his reputation for aloofness, Pereira appeared calm and collected in the lead-up to the fight, even posing for photos with Mark Zuckerberg backstage. Joe Rogan praised Pereira’s entrance, calling it “the greatest walkout in the sport.”
The fight commenced with a cautious approach from both fighters, as Pereira utilized low kicks to maintain distance and deter Ankalaev from attempting takedowns. The early striking exchanges were relatively balanced, though Ankalaev seemed to gain an edge as the round progressed. It wasn’t until the first round concluded that Ankalaev managed to secure a shot, but Pereira demonstrated resilience by staying on his feet.
As the second round unfolded, Ankalaev found success in the striking department, defying pre-fight expectations. By the third round, he confidently pursued Pereira, brushing off the champion’s leg kicks. However, Pereira managed to land a notable combination that forced Ankalaev to retreat momentarily.
While the fight featured some slower-paced moments, particularly in the fourth when Ankalaev took the action to the cage, the crowd’s enthusiasm waned. Referee Marc Goddard separated the fighters after a lackluster exchange, only for them to return to a similar position shortly thereafter.
In the final round, Pereira showcased his striking prowess, notably landing a significant head kick. Despite both fighters maintaining a deliberate pace, Ankalaev once again pushed Pereira against the cage towards the end.
In a closely contested decision, the judges awarded the fight to Ankalaev unanimously, with two scorecards reading 48-47 and one at 49-46. This result marks the end of Pereira’s championship reign after three successful title defenses and sets the stage for Ankalaev’s rise in the light-heavyweight division.
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