Magomed Ankalaev nearly drops hesitant Alex Pereira, wins title after back-and-forth battle | UFC 313

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The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Light Heavyweight division took center stage at UFC 313 tonight (Sat., March 8, 2025) as Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev collided in a highly-anticipated showdown inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Coming into this fight, “Poatan” stood tall as a modern legend, a two-division champion who — in just 3.5 years with UFC — has cemented his legacy with three jaw-dropping knockout defenses of his 205-pound title in 2024 alone. Yet, tonight’s challenge was unlike any he faced this year. Indeed, a clash against Ankalaev — a masterful Sambo practitioner with slick boxing skills — who brought a unique threat to the mat that Pereira’s recent striker-heavy opponents couldn’t match.

Ankalaev — who has cast a long a shadow over Pereira’s reign — stepped into the spotlight after navigating a rocky road of rematches and a draw with Jan Blachowicz, ready to prove he’s the one to dethrone the king.

Enough talk — it’s time to fight!

Live updates will begin to flow below the moment the two fighters make their way to the Octagon.

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LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE TILT! Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) continues its 2025 pay-per-view (PPV) schedule on Sat., March 8, 2025, with a high-stakes clash between 205-pound kingpin, Alex Pereira, defending his Light Heavyweight crown against formidable No. 1-ranked contender, Magomed Ankalaev, in the five-round main event. In UFC 313’s electrifying co-headliner from inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, Lightweight fan-favorite and former interim champion, Justin Gaethje, will rematch the dynamic Rafael Fiziev in a three-round rematch, stepping in on short notice after Dan Hooker’s withdrawal due to injury. UFC 313 will also feature a hard-hitting Heavyweight battle between Curtis Blaydes and promotional newcomer, Rizvan Kuniev, alongside a Lightweight showdown with Jalin Turner facing Ignacio Bahamondes, and so much more! UFC 313’s start time is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET (“Prelims” undercard) and 10 p.m. ET (PPV main card).

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Ankalaev, the challenger, was first to make the walk to the Octagon:

Then, it was time for “Poatan” to make his trademark intimidating bow-and-arrow entrance:

What a moment:

Round One:

Both fighters touched gloves and we were off and punching ...

Alex was the aggressor early, looking to trap Ankalaev along the cage so he could go to work. Ankalaev spun off the cage and the two made it back to the center of the Octagon. Alex landed about five low kicks in the first minute — pretty much the only early action. Another low kick from Alex nearly tripped Ankalaev as he barreled in with a punch that remained holstered. He did land a nice low kick of his own, then a punch to the body at the mid-point of the round. Ankalaev began to get a little more comfortable standing as Alex tried to set him up with a head kick, which was blocked. Ankalaev continued to eat a strady diet of low kicks at an unsustainable rate over the course of 25 minutes. Front kick from Alex as Ankalaev missed with a wild counter punch upstairs. With 30 seconds remaining on the clock, Ankalaev finally shot in for a takedown. Alex was able to use the cage to defend it well. Solid round for the champion, who invested big time in Ankalaev’s lower half early.

Round Two:

Ankalaev appeared to have a little bit of a limp coming our for round two, which also compelled him to take the lead early ... and in a different stance. Nice front kick from Ankalaev, then another, as Alex went for another head kick that was once again blocked. Ankalaev countered with two hard kicks to the body moments later, which appeared to anger the Brazilian. Alex started to move forward, eating a nice right hand from Ankalaev. Alex continued to work the low kicks, then another high kick; however, Ankalaev fired off a powerful two-punch combination that appeared to confuse Pereira. Ankalaev continued to find success inside, drilling Alex with hard counter shots in the final two minutes. Alex started to push the pace down the stretch, but Ankalaev would not be bullied. The pair traded hard shots in the final 30 seconds — a fantastic round for the challenger, who hurt Alex with a hard shot at the buzzer.

Round Three:

Ankalaev continued to look sharp to open round three, as Alex appeared to be a little gun-shy, retreating often and relying almost exclusively on his legs/kicks. Ankalaev attempted his second takedown of the fight and Alex was able to spin away from danger. Ankalaev bullied him into the corner, kneed him in the liver and then drilled him with a hard jab moments later. Alex fired back with a nice shot upstairs, but Ankalaev kept coming forward. Nice jab from Ankalaev along the cage wobbled Pereira, who looked super confused as to what was happening (like most fans). While he continued to do damage to Ankalaev’s lead leg, it appeared he was down 1-2 heading into the championship rounds.

Round Four:

Ankalaev started the fourth frame with a takedown attempt, mushing Alex into the cage and softening him up with knees, looking to secure a trip along the fence. The pair battle for position for about 90 seconds as the fans voiced their collective displeasure. Alex was able to break free, but Ankalaev hit him with a nice cross on the break and was on him again almost immediately. Referee, Marc Goddard, eventually separated them, with Ankalaev once again getting the better of the exchanges on the restart. Front kick from Ankalaev nearly took Alex off his feet — the champion appeared tired. Ankalaev continued to grind Alex against the cage with short knees inside, as well as uppercuts. Alex tossed Ankalaev to the floor at the buzzer, perhaps a little frustrated with how things have gone thus far.

Round Five:

Fifth and final round, and Alex’s corner was calling for a finish. It was close, for sure, but both men wanted to create their own destinies. And Ankalaev went for it early, landing a hard shot to start the action. Alex with a left cross, but nothing followed after — still gun-shy. Midway through the final round, Alex finally landed a head kick that appeared to affect the Russian momentarily. But, he shook off the cobwebs quick and was back in the driver’s seat as the final two minutes ticked off the clock. Alex with a nice jab along the cage, forcing Ankalaev to clinch. Ankalaev closed the distance and was able to get behind Ankalaev with one minute on the clock, with Alex trying furiously to break his grip. And that’s how the fight ended.

Final result: Ankalaev def. Pereira via unanimous decision

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