LAS VEGAS — Magomed Ankalaev’s strategy for Saturday’s light heavyweight contest at UFC 313 was straightforward: apply pressure against Alex Pereira and keep intensifying it. This game plan paid off magnificently, leading Ankalaev to a surprising victory by unanimous decision, as he claimed Pereira’s light heavyweight championship.
“I can’t even express how I feel,” Ankalaev stated during the post-fight interview in the ring, relying on a translator. “I’ve traveled such a long road, and holding this title is a dream come true for me.”
Ankalaev (21-1-1) succeeded on all judges’ scorecards, with one scoring it 49-46 and the other two 48-47 in his favor. Unshaken by Pereira’s reputation, Ankalaev endured a series of leg kicks during the opening round but responded by launching an aggressive assault, using a commanding left hand to keep Pereira at bay, even staggering the renowned UFC star.
The result announcement from Bruce Buffer was met with dissatisfaction from a pro-Pereira audience. “I was ready for an intense battle,” noted Pereira (12-3-0), who was defending his belt for the fourth time. With his 38th birthday on July 7, Pereira closed at -120 according to BetMGM Sportsbook. When questioned about the possibility of a rematch, UFC President and CEO Dana White had a simple response: “Probably.”
In the co-main event, fan favorite and No. 3-ranked lightweight Justin Gaethje (27-5-0) secured a unanimous decision over No. 11 Rafael Fiziev (12-4-0). Originally set to face Dan Hooker, Gaethje had to adapt after Hooker withdrew due to a hand injury. Gaethje’s stiff right uppercut in round two was a decisive moment, earning the match “Fight of the Night” honors.
Lightweight Ignacio Bahamondes (17-5-0) achieved a first-round victory by forcing Jalin Turner (14-9-0) to submit with a triangle choke at 2:29 into the bout. After the fight, Turner was seen attempting to leave his gloves in the ring as a sign of retirement but was prevented from re-entering.
In other bouts, No. 5 strawweight contender Amanda Lemos improved her record to 15-4-1 against seventh-ranked Iasmin Lucindo (17-6-0), winning by unanimous decision. Mauricio Ruffy (12-1-0) delivered a memorable performance with a spinning heel kick that knocked out King Green (32-17-1) only 2:07 into their lightweight contest.
Amidst the evening’s excitement, a special tribute video honored former welterweight champion Robbie Lawler, who, witnessing from ringside, received an emotional standing ovation as it was announced he would be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame’s Modern Wing as part of the 2025 class. His induction is slated for the 13th Annual UFC International Fight Week on June 26.
“Robbie was an extraordinary fighter, and I deeply admire his resilience and style, both of which have played roles in expanding MMA and UFC’s appeal,” remarked UFC President and CEO Dana White.
