 "Magomed Ankalaev hits Alex Pereira during their UFC 313 light heavyweight bout in Las Vegas on Saturday, 8 March. AP")
Magomed Ankalaev scored a stunning upset over Alex Pereira to win the undisputed light heavyweight title in UFC 313. The Russian MMA star’s plan was to continuously build pressure on his Brazilian opponent, and his strategy ultimately paid off on Saturday.
“I can’t even put it into words,” Ankalaev said in the ring during the post-fight interview through a translator. “It’s been such a long way, and it’s my dream. It’s on my waist.”
All three judges scored in favor of Ankalaev (21-1-1), with scores of 49-46 and two at 48-47.
Ankalaev was never intimidated by his well-decorated opponent, even after enduring a barrage of leg kicks in the first round.
Rather than play things cautiously, Ankalaev went on the offensive and stayed aggressive in backing down Pereira while using an overpowering left hand that continued to stagger UFC’s top active star.
Bruce Buffer’s announcement with the result propelled a chorus of boos from the pro-Pereira crowd.
“I knew it would be a war,” said Pereira (12-3-0), who was putting his belt on the line for the fourth time. “Every fight of mine is a war.”
Impact Shorts
More ShortsPereira (12-2), who turns 38 on July 7, closed -120 at BetMGM Sportsbook.
As close as the fight was, UFC President and CEO Dana White had one word when asked about a potential rematch: “Probably."
Gaethje earns unanimous victory over Fiziev
In the co-main event, the No. 3-ranked lightweight and fan favorite Justin Gaethje (27-5-0) earned a unanimous decision over No. 11 Rafael Fiziev (12-4-0) in what was tabbed “ Fight of the Night.” Gaethje was scheduled to fight Dan Hooker, who pulled out because of a hand injury. Gatheje dropped Fiziev with a stiff right uppercut in the second round.
Lightweight Ignacio Bahamondes (17-5-0) earned a first-round win when he made Jalin Turner (14-9-0) tap after administering a triangle choke at the 2:29 mark. Turner left the cage and waited in front of press row for Bahamondes to finish his interview, intending to return to the cage to leave his gloves and signify his retirement. Security would not let him return, however.
No. 5 strawweight contender Amanda Lemos improved to 15-4-1 with a unanimous decision over seventh-ranked Iasmin Lucindo (17-6-0).
Mauricio Ruffy (12-1-0) delivered a spinning heel kick with his right foot to the temple of King Green (32-17-1) to score a vicious knockout just 2:07 into the first round of their lightweight bout.
Just after Ruffy’s knockout kick and before the women’s bout, a tribute video for Robbie Lawler played in honor of the former welterweight champion. Watching cageside, an emotional Lawler received a standing ovation as it was announced he would be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame’s Modern Wing as a member of the Class of 2025. The ceremony will take place as part of the 13th Annual UFC International Fight Week on June 26.
“Robbie was an absolute killer, and I have a ton of respect for his toughness and his fighting style, which helped grow the sport of MMA and UFC by attracting a lot of new fans,” UFC president and CEO White said in a statement.
UFC 313 Results:
— Mogamed Ankalaev def. Alex Pereira via unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-47)
— Justin Gaethje def. Rafael Fiziev via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
— Ignacio Bahamondes def. Jalin Turner via submission (triangle choke) in R1
— Amanda Lemos def. Iasmin Lucindo via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
— Mauricio Ruffy def. King Green via KO (spinning wheel kick) in R1
— Joshua Van def. Rei Tsuruya via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
— Brunno Ferreira def. Armen Petrosyan via submission (armbar) in R2
— Carlos Leal def. Alex Morono via TKO (strikes) in R1
— Mairon Santos def. Francis Marshall via split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)
— Ozzy Diaz def. Djorden Santos via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
With AP inputs