In a night filled with unexpected turns and gripping action, Magomed Ankalaev delivered a surprising upset by defeating Alex Pereira to claim the undisputed light heavyweight title at UFC 313 in Las Vegas. The event, held on Saturday night, saw Ankalaev emerge victorious through a unanimous decision after a meticulously executed tactical bout. Meanwhile, in the co-main event, Justin Gaethje secured a unanimous decision over Rafael Fiziev, showcasing his dominance in the lightweight division.
Ankalaev's victory ended Pereira's impressive streak of three title defenses within a year. Pereira had become one of the sport's biggest stars during this streak and was on the verge of becoming the second-fastest fighter to achieve four title defenses in UFC history. However, Ankalaev's strategic approach and measured fighting style left Pereira struggling to find opportunities to unleash his renowned left hook. All three judges scored in Ankalaev's favor, with scores of 29-26 and two at 28-27, marking a significant upset and bringing an end to Pereira's reign.
"I knew it would be a war," – Alex Pereira
Pereira's loss represents a turning point in his career, as he sought to solidify his status among the sport's all-time greats. Despite his efforts, Ankalaev's disciplined performance kept him from capitalizing on his usual strengths.
In the co-main event, Justin Gaethje faced Rafael Fiziev after a last-minute change in opponents due to Dan Hooker's withdrawal from the fight because of a hand injury. Despite the disruption, Gaethje, ranked number three in the lightweight division, dominated Fiziev, who held the number 11 spot. Gaethje's pivotal moment came in the second round when he dropped Fiziev with a precise right uppercut, setting the stage for his unanimous decision win.
Gaethje's victory solidified his standing in the lightweight rankings and showcased his readiness for future challenges. His ability to adapt quickly in light of opponent changes highlighted his skill and strategic acumen inside the Octagon.
