Pereira knocks out Ankalaev to become new light heavyweight champion

Alex Pereira reclaimed the UFC light heavyweight title with an impressive first-round technical knockout of Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320 in Las Vegas.

The bout lasted only one minute and 20 seconds, delivering a swift ending to a rivalry that had seen Pereira lose the title to Ankalaev seven months earlier by unanimous decision.

From the opening bell, Pereira took an aggressive approach, pushing forward immediately rather than adopting a reactive stance as he did in their initial meeting. This adjustment proved decisive. He landed a powerful right hand early in the round that visibly hurt Ankalaev. 

When the Russian attempted to grapple to neutralise Pereira’s offence, the Brazilian followed him to the ground without hesitation.

Once on the mat, Pereira delivered a series of strikes to Ankalaev’s head and body. The barrage was relentless and prompted referee Herb Dean to stop the fight, awarding Pereira the victory and title.

Ankalaev entered the fight unbeaten since 2018, boasting a 14-fight streak without a knockout loss. His performance in the rematch was hampered by Pereira’s early offensive burst and aggression.

Ankalaev’s typical grappling and clinch strategies were dismantled quickly as Pereira asserted control from the outset, refusing to allow Ankalaev the space to employ his game plan.

38-year-old Periera fought with a renewed level of preparation and fitness compared to their first match. In interviews after the fight, he admitted that his previous defeat came while fighting at 40 percent of his potential due to injury and poor condition.

Sunday’s fight revealed the Brazilian fighter as a sharper, more focused athlete determined to reverse the outcome of their first encounter.

Periera’s accuracy was remarkable, landing 25 of 37 strikes, while Ankalaev managed to connect only twice with his significant strikes during the brief contest.

This victory reinstates Pereira as a two-division UFC champion and marks him as one of the sport’s best, as he embarks on a new reign as the light heavyweight titleholder.