Pereira Recaptures UFC Title in 80 Seconds: Ankalaev Couldn’t!

Alex Pereira Recaptures UFC Light Heavyweight Title with Stunning Victory

Las Vegas – Alex Pereira demonstrated his power by reclaiming the UFC light heavyweight title, defeating Magomed Ankalaev in a rematch that left the audience astonished. Pereira, who had lost the title to Ankalaev in March, showed a remarkable transformation in his performance, achieving a dominant victory in just 80 seconds of the first round. This triumph represented a radical change from the previous fight, where Pereira seemed less energetic. On this occasion, he came out aggressive from the start, surpassing Ankalaev with speed and force. The victory was the fastest finish in Pereira’s MMA career and the second fastest in the history of UFC light heavyweight title fights. Ankalaev suffered the first knockout loss of his career, interrupting a 14-fight undefeated streak. Pereira’s victory was a clear message of his ability and determination.

“Revenge is never good; sometimes it’s like poison,” Pereira commented. “But I told everyone that he wasn’t in good shape last time. Everyone saw it tonight.”

Alex Pereira

During the fight week, Pereira’s team revealed that he had fought Ankalaev in March with a fractured tibia, in addition to being sick and under treatment with antibiotics. These circumstances, according to Pereira, limited him to only “40 percent” of his capacity at that time.

On Saturday, Pereira looked in top form, dominating the center of the octagon and attacking Ankalaev with precise blows. A right hand to Ankalaev’s chin weakened him, culminating in elbow strikes from a superior position. Pereira outperformed Ankalaev in total strikes, with a 28-4 advantage.

After the fight, Pereira repeated the provocative gesture he used after knocking out Jamahal Hill at UFC 300, reflecting the existing tension between the two fighters.

Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLCWith this victory, Pereira added his 12th knockout in his MMA career and became the third two-time light heavyweight champion in UFC history, alongside names like Couture and Jon Jones. In the post-fight interview, Pereira requested a moment of silence in memory of Jon Jones and his family, following the death of Jones’ brother, Arthur. Regarding Pereira’s future options, there are several possibilities. He could face Jiri Procházka, who recently knocked out Khalil Rountree Jr., or Carlos Ulberg, who also achieved a knockout in his last fight. Furthermore, there is the possibility of Pereira moving up to the heavyweight division, where he could fight against Jon Jones or the winner of the fight between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane. Dana White, UFC CEO, revealed that Pereira’s team has expressed interest in the fighter competing in heavyweight, although he expressed some caution due to the jump of two weight classes. Pereira is already a champion in two divisions, light heavyweight and middleweight, and there has never been a three-division champion in UFC history.

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

Dana White

As for Ankalaev, at 33 years old, he faces a long road to get another title opportunity.