Pereira Recovers UFC Title with KO in 80 Seconds Against Ankalaev

Alex Pereira Recaptures UFC Light Heavyweight Title with Stunning Victory

Las Vegas – Alex Pereira demonstrated his dominance in the octagon by reclaiming the UFC light heavyweight championship. In an anticipated rematch, Pereira faced Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320, achieving a resounding victory that left everyone surprised. Pereira, with an impeccable performance, finished Ankalaev with ground strikes just 80 seconds into the first round. This victory represents a radical change compared to their previous encounter, where he lost the title by decision. The speed of Pereira’s victory was astonishing, marking the fastest end of his mixed martial arts career and the second fastest in UFC history in the light heavyweight category. This defeat marked the first knockout in Ankalaev’s career, ending a 14-fight undefeated streak.

Revenge is never a good thing; sometimes it’s like poison. I told everyone I wasn’t in good shape last time. Everyone saw it tonight.

Alex Pereira

During the week of the fight, Pereira’s team revealed that the fighter faced Ankalaev with a fractured tibia and under the effects of antibiotics, which limited his performance. On this occasion, Pereira proved to be at 100%, dominating the center of the octagon and connecting precise blows. A right hand to Ankalaev’s chin marked the beginning of the end, culminating in elbow strikes that sealed the victory. After the victory, Pereira made a provocative gesture similar to the one he made after knocking out Jamahal Hill at UFC 300. The fight was marked by tension, as Pereira accused Ankalaev of avoiding him during fight week and lying about his desire for a rematch.

With this victory, Pereira has 12 knockouts in his career and becomes the third light heavyweight champion in UFC history on two occasions, sharing this achievement with figures like Randy Couture and Jon Jones. In his post-fight interview, Pereira requested a moment of silence in honor of Jon Jones and his family, following the death of his brother. After this victory, Pereira has several options for his next fight. He could face Jiri Procházka, who also had an outstanding performance. Another option could be Carlos Ulberg, who was present at UFC 320. Also, there is a possibility that Pereira will move up to the heavyweight category, where he could face Jon Jones or the winner of the fight between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane. UFC CEO Dana White commented on this possibility, revealing that Pereira’s team showed interest in the fighter competing in heavyweight. White expressed some reservations, highlighting the difficulty it would entail for a fighter who began his career at 185 pounds. Pereira is already a champion in two UFC categories, light heavyweight and middleweight. So far, there has not been a champion in three categories in UFC history.

He was a middleweight, and is he going to move up two weight classes in the UFC? It’s not like moving up two weight classes in boxing. It’s a big jump. And not that I have any reservations about it. He’s in a division where there are still some interesting fights.

Dana White, CEO of the UFC

For his part, Ankalaev, 33, could face a long road to get another shot at the championship. Before getting his first title opportunity in 2022, Ankalaev had a nine-fight winning streak.