Ankalaev Dominates Pereira at UFC 313: “I Knew I Won This Fight”

The Octagon witnessed a calculated masterclass last weekend as Magomed Ankalaev claimed the UFC light heavyweight championship with a performance that left no doubt in his mind—though plenty in the minds of fans watching at home.

“I knew I won this fight,” Ankalaev told reporters through his translator at the post-fight press conference. “I controlled the center of the octagon. I was the one moving forward, and I landed the cleaner shots.”

The Russian’s Blueprint to Dismantle Poatan

From the opening bell at UFC 313, Ankalaev implemented a game plan perfectly designed to neutralize Pereira’s devastating knockout power. The Dagestani fighter kept the Brazilian champion on the defensive, controlling distance with tactical precision while landing the more significant strikes throughout their five-round affair.

I’ve watched Ankalaev’s rise through the division for years, and what impressed me most was his patience. He didn’t rush in recklessly against a man who has separated multiple opponents from consciousness. Instead, he methodically picked apart Pereira, frustrating the champion’s attempts to land his signature left hook.

Insert image of Ankalaev landing strikes on Pereira here

By The Numbers: Ankalaev vs. Pereira

A Title Win Years in the Making

This victory represents redemption for Ankalaev, who previously fought to a controversial draw against Jan Blachowicz in a title bout. The 32-year-old Russian has now gone unbeaten in his last 12 fights, establishing himself as the most technically proficient fighter in the 205-pound division.

“This has been my dream since I started in MMA,” Ankalaev said. “I’ve sacrificed everything to reach this point. My family, my country, they all supported me through this journey.”

Pereira’s Struggle to Find His Range

For Alex Pereira, the loss marks his first defense failure since capturing the light heavyweight title. The former two-division champion struggled to find his range against Ankalaev’s disciplined approach. When Pereira did advance, he was met with sharp counters that repeatedly scored for the challenger.

“He’s a great fighter, but today I was better,” Ankalaev stated simply. “My team prepared the perfect strategy.”

Insert image of Ankalaev with his hand raised after the decision here

What’s Next for the New Champion?

The light heavyweight division suddenly has a new sheriff in town, and several contenders are already lining up for their shot at Ankalaev’s newly-captured gold.

Jamahal Hill, who never lost his title in competition, seems like the logical next challenge. There’s also Jiri Prochazka, whose unconventional style could present interesting problems for the technically sound Ankalaev.

When asked about his preferred next opponent, Ankalaev remained focused on the moment: “Tonight I celebrate. Tomorrow, I will think about who is next. I am ready for anyone UFC brings to me.”

Could an Immediate Rematch Be in the Cards?

Despite Ankalaev’s confidence in his victory, some observers scored the fight closer than the new champion suggests. Pereira’s status as a draw and his previous championship pedigree could potentially warrant an immediate rematch, though the Brazilian didn’t immediately call for one post-fight.

UFC CEO Dana White remained non-committal about the division’s future at the post-fight press conference, stating only that “we’ll see how things play out in the coming weeks.”

The Dawn of the Ankalaev Era

With his tactical brilliance on full display at UFC 313, Magomed Ankalaev has announced himself as a potentially long-reigning champion in a division that has seen frequent title changes in recent years.

His methodical approach may not always produce highlight-reel finishes, but his effectiveness is undeniable. For a division that has struggled to maintain a dominant champion since Jon Jones’ departure, Ankalaev represents a new standard of technical excellence.

What did you think of Ankalaev’s performance? Do you believe he did enough to win, or should Pereira have retained? Let us know in the comments below!

Source: UFC 313 Post-Fight Press Conference