Magomed Ankalaev made Alex Pereira struggle his struggle at UFC 313, and now he’s the brand new UFC gentle heavyweight champion.
Saturday’s most important occasion was gentle on drama however excessive on stress as Ankalaev and Pereira methodically dueled for 5 rounds, with Ankalaev going on to win a unanimous decision and claim Pereira’s 205-pound title. As anticipated, Ankalaev combined the martial arts to defeat Pereira, using stress, well timed hanging, and irritating grappling to earn a victory on factors.
Pereira regarded to defend his belt for a fourth consecutive time following knockout victories in his previous three championship fights, however there can be no “Poatan” magic on this present day.
MMA’s greatest took to social media to congratulate Ankalaev, together with former champions Khabib Nurmagomedov, Aljamain Sterling, and Henry Cejudo, with the latter suggesting that he and Pereira ought to run it again.
Not everybody was so enthused by Ankalaev’s efficiency. Former UFC fighter Brendan Schaub referred to as the choice “rubbish” and wrote that Pereira gained three rounds “clear as day.”
See extra reactions from fighters beneath.
What a efficiency put forth by Magomed Ankalaev. Tactical gameplan executed to perfection. The rematch can be legendary. #ANDNEW #UFC313
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) March 9, 2025
Congratulations Brother @AnkalaevM you made a historical past it was wonderful efficiency in opposition to very powerful opponent.
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) March 9, 2025
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Good chess match. Ankalaev managed Pereira lots in key moments to take the rounds. Nice story for Ankalaev to grow to be the brand new champ #UFC313
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) March 9, 2025
I obtained it 4-1 Ankalaev however these judges….
— Matt Brown (@IamTheImmortal) March 9, 2025
All the flamboyant strategies could make nice highlights and win some large fights however Ankalaev confirmed once more that nice self-discipline and nice fundamentals win championships
— Matt Brown (@IamTheImmortal) March 9, 2025
Congrats to the NEW LHW Champion Magomed Ankalaev #UFC313
— Aleksandar Rakic (@rakic_ufc) March 9, 2025
Alex p might have misplaced however man the mma progress has been loopy takedown protection was on level
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) March 9, 2025
Dana not blissful. Ank obtained it
— Al Iaquinta (@ALIAQUINTA) March 9, 2025
I believe chama took it
— C H T O V E R A (@chitoveraUFC) March 9, 2025
I’ve it 3-2 Ankalaev
— Aiemann Zahabi (@Aiemannzahabi) March 9, 2025
