The brand new mild heavyweight champion had added extra trophies and accolades to his cupboard following the largest win of his profession.
At UFC 313, Magomed Ankalaev defeated Alex Pereira via unanimous decision to lastly get his arms on the 205-pound gold.
The Russian is probably not a family identify internationally however the reaction that Ankalaev received in Dagestan confirmed the help that he has behind him.
At 32-years-old, the brand new champion joins the listing of fighters from this area to excel on the highest stage in combined martial arts.
With Ankalaev breaking a record that previously belonged to lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, he was just lately awarded an enormous honor that his fellow champion has additionally obtained prior to now.
Magomed Ankalaev receives Dagestan’s medal of honor after returning dwelling
A latest video noticed Magomed Ankalaev awarded with a prestigious medal following his unimaginable accomplishment at UFC 313 on March 8.
While Ankalaev hasn’t at all times been the most well-liked fighter on the roster, it’s unimaginable to disclaim that he’s a world class expertise and clearly, he’s a beloved and celebrated determine in his dwelling nation.
Islam Makhachev has additionally been the recipient of Dagestan’s medal of honor prior to now with each UFC champions representing their individuals on the highest stage.
Magomed @AnkalaevM has obtained Dagestan’s medal of honor from the pinnacle of the republic, Sergey Melikov. The UFC mild heavyweight champion described the medal in an Instagram put up as “Dagestan’s highest reward”.
UFC light-weight champion Islam Makhachev was beforehand awarded… pic.twitter.com/YK9fhe0hIc
— Purple Nook MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) March 14, 2025
Ankalaev mirrored on this nice honor in a latest Instagram put up the place he spoke about what this second of recognition means to him.
He thanked the Head of the Republic of Dagestan, Sergey Alimovich Melikov for inviting him and awarding him this medal with the newly topped titleholder being unbeaten since his UFC debut in 2018.
“On the invitation of the Head of the Republic of Dagestan, my coaches and I visited the federal government, the place a nice shock awaited me – Sergey Alimovich Melikov introduced me with the best award of the republic. Throughout the assembly, we heard many variety phrases and essential directions, which impressed us to work even more durable and characterize the nation with dignity on the worldwide stage. Thanks, Sergey Alimovich, on your help and a spotlight to athletes!”
Magomed Ankalaev could must show that he can beat Alex Pereira once more
A variety of combat followers predicted that Magomed Ankalaev can be the largest menace to Alex Pereira’s title reign and at UFC 313, that was confirmed to be ture.
While ‘Poatan’ didn’t fairly look himself, that was partly all the way down to the efficient sport plan of the challenger who was capable of neutralize a whole lot of the defending champion’s most harmful weapons.
Pereira appears to be leaning in direction of a rematch and that’s one thing that Ankalaev has clearly said that he’s open to.
While the emphasis will likely be on what changes Pereira could make to supply a extra aggressive combat, Ankalaev may have the chance to cement his title reign by beating one of many greatest stars within the sport for a second time.
