UFC 313 Fallout: Ankalaev Dethrones Pereira in Tactical Chess Match That Left Fans Wanting More

The bright lights of T-Mobile Arena dimmed last night as UFC 313 wrapped up with a championship changing hands – though not with the thunderous exclamation point many had hoped for. Magomed Ankalaev is your new light heavyweight champion after dethroning Alex Pereira via unanimous decision in what can only be described as a tactical affair that had the Vegas crowd restless by the final horn.

I’ve seen my share of title fights over the years, but this one will be remembered more for what didn’t happen than what did.

The Chess Match Nobody Asked For

Remember when we all thought this matchup would produce fireworks? Pereira, the knockout artist with hammers for hands, versus Ankalaev, the calculated destroyer who had been steamrolling his way to this opportunity. Instead, what we got was 25 minutes of high-level hesitation.

Ankalaev implemented a game plan that was technically brilliant but spectacularly boring – keeping Pereira at range, neutralizing the Brazilian’s lethal left hook, and scoring just enough to win rounds while taking minimal risks. Smart? Absolutely. Entertaining? Not even close.

The crowd’s boos in round four told the story as clearly as any commentator could.

By The Numbers: A Fight of Inches

The stats tell the story of a methodical approach that prioritized safety over spectacle. Ankalaev outpointed Pereira without ever genuinely threatening to finish him – a stark contrast to what we’ve come to expect from championship fights in the Dana White era.

What Went Wrong for “Poatan”?

Pereira seemed hesitant throughout, perhaps too respectful of Ankalaev’s counter-striking and grappling threats. The explosive, cage-cutting pressure that made him so dangerous against Jan Blachowicz and Jamahal Hill was conspicuously absent.

“I was waiting for the right moment that never came,” Pereira admitted in his post-fight interview through a translator. “He fought smart. I need to go back and make adjustments.”

For a fighter whose highlight reel is filled with jaw-dropping finishes, this performance felt particularly flat – like watching Michelangelo decide to paint by numbers instead of creating another Sistine Chapel.

Dana White’s Visible Frustration

The UFC president couldn’t hide his disappointment at the post-fight press conference, his trademark crimson complexion reaching new shades of red as he addressed the media.

“Listen, winning a championship is winning a championship. Congrats to Ankalaev. But that’s not the kind of fight that gets people excited about rematches or sells pay-per-views. We’re in the entertainment business, and that wasn’t entertaining.”

When asked if Pereira would get an immediate rematch, White’s response was tellingly noncommittal: “We’ll see what makes sense. There are other contenders out there.”

What’s Next For Both Fighters?

For Ankalaev, the victory represents the culmination of a long journey to UFC gold, but he’ll need to be more compelling in his first defense if he wants to become a draw for the promotion. Jiri Prochazka would seem the natural next challenger – someone who certainly won’t shy away from forcing action.

As for Pereira, this setback might actually be a blessing in disguise. The 37-year-old has been on a relentless schedule since joining the UFC, and a step back to recalibrate could serve him well. A return to middleweight isn’t out of the question either, where his power advantage was even more pronounced.

The Future of the Light Heavyweight Division

With Ankalaev now holding the belt, the division finds itself in an interesting spot. His technical, risk-averse approach might not excite casual fans, but it poses fascinating puzzles for contenders like Prochazka, Jamahal Hill, and even the surging Aleksandar Rakić.

One thing’s for certain – the next challenger will be under tremendous pressure to force Ankalaev into a more fan-friendly fight than what we witnessed last night.

Final Thoughts: Sometimes Championships Change Hands With a Whimper, Not a Bang

Not every title fight can be Griffin vs. Bonnar or Lawler vs. MacDonald. Sometimes the highest levels of the sport produce tactical affairs where the margins are razor-thin and the action minimal. Last night was one of those occasions – a reminder that fighting smart and fighting exciting aren’t always the same thing.

What did you think of the main event? Was Ankalaev’s approach brilliant or boring? Let us know in the comments below, and be sure to check back for our full UFC 313 results and analysis.

Source: Vox Media