The combat sports community was abuzz following UFC 313, where Magomed Ankalaev delivered a stunning performance against Alex Pereira, defeating him by unanimous decision and asserting his dominance in the light heavyweight division. This victory not only secured Ankalaev the championship title but also left fans questioning what lies ahead for both fighters.
UFC 313, held on March 8, 2025, in Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena, marked a significant moment in MMA history. Pereira, who had successfully defended his title three times prior, faced a formidable challenge in Ankalaev. The bout surprised many, as fans had grown accustomed to seeing Pereira dominate his opponents with knockout power. However, Ankalaev showcased a calculated approach, absorbing punches while implementing effective strategies to stay defensively sound.
Despite receiving notable leg kicks from Pereira, Ankalaev’s strong forward pressure and clean kickboxing techniques proved pivotal. He landed only 11 significant strikes to the head and 17 to the body, demonstrating a smart fight style that earned him the judges’ nod. Two of the three judges awarded him two rounds, reflecting how close the fight was. Indeed, UFC President Dana White hinted at a potential rematch, suggesting that the excitement around the matchup remains high.
Jamahal Hill, who previously faced Pereira at UFC 300, offered his thoughts on the recent bout. In an interview with Home of Fight, Hill praised Ankalaev’s performance, stating, "I think he did exactly what I thought he was going to do... I expected him to be more forward more pressure on him... But you know he kind of just got... stonewalled maybe." Hill scored the fight 4-1 in favor of Ankalaev, noting Pereira's inability to maintain aggression and pressure as expected.
“He was trying to make adjustments and things but as he adjusted things, Magomed adjusted as well. So, he did a good job,” Hill remarked, indicating that Pereira could benefit from strategic changes in preparation for a future rematch. "He’s going to have to be locked into the gym to where he don’t get tired, going to have to up his cardio a lot because his output is going to have to go up," Hill advised, emphasizing that improved cardio and kick volume may be crucial for Pereira’s success in a second encounter.
As backs and forth have ensued in the discussions around a rematch, Ankalaev's victory also garnered him praise in his home region of Dagestan. Following his impressive performance, he was awarded the prestigious Dagestan Medal of Honor, one of the highest civilian accolades bestowed by the republic. Ankalaev shared the exciting news on Instagram: "At the invitation of the Head of the Republic of Dagestan, my coaches and I visited the government, where a pleasant surprise awaited me..." His recognition aligns him with fellow Dagestani champions like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev, further cementing his status in the sport.
Looking ahead, Ankalaev faces the challenge of solidifying his title reign. The pool of contenders is not deep, and while fighters like Jiri Prochazka and Jan Blachowicz loom in the background, none have faced Ankalaev, who remains the undisputed champion. Speculations regarding a rematch with Pereira linger, and many believe that another victory over him would firmly establish Ankalaev's supremacy.
Adding to the conversation is Tom Aspinall, the interim heavyweight champion, who humorously weighed in on Jon Jones’ potential reaction to Pereira’s loss. "Mate you know that Jon’s phone got whizzed across the room on Saturday night," Aspinall quipped during an interview, illustrating how the defeat may have altered Jones’ plans for his next fight.
As Jones looks for his last opponent, Pereira was a prime candidate due to his star power. However, with Ankalaev’s surprising win, Jones may have to reconsider, and that doesn’t sit well with Aspinall, who is eager for a matchup. Aspinall dismissed celebrations in the wake of Pereira’s loss, stating, "In all honesty, I never ever celebrate anybody's loss. That really isn’t my style... But it couldn’t have happened at a better time for me personally." It’s clear that the ripple effect of UFC 313 reaches beyond the octagon and into the dynamics of the heavyweight division.
In summary, UFC 313 was not just a notable championship event but a turning point that reshaped future matchups in the light heavyweight division. Ankalaev’s triumph over Pereira showcased not only his talent but also the unpredictable nature of MMA. As both fighters look towards potential rematches and future bouts, the anticipation within the sport builds, leaving fans excited for what’s next.
