Written by Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images
Magomed Ankalaev made Alex Pereira fight his fight at UFC 313, and now he’s the new UFC light heavyweight champion.
Saturday’s main event was light on drama but high on tension as Ankalaev and Pereira methodically dueled for five rounds, with Ankalaev going on to win a unanimous decision and claim Pereira’s 205-pound title. As expected, Ankalaev mixed the martial arts to defeat Pereira, utilizing pressure, timely striking, and frustrating grappling to earn a victory on points.
Pereira looked to defend his belt for a fourth consecutive time following knockout victories in his past three championship fights, but there would be no “Poatan” magic on this day.
MMA’s best took to social media to congratulate Ankalaev, including former champions Khabib Nurmagomedov, Aljamain Sterling, and Henry Cejudo, with the latter suggesting that he and Pereira should run it back.
Not everyone was so enthused by Ankalaev’s performance. Former UFC fighter Brendan Schaub called the decision “garbage” and wrote that Pereira won three rounds “clear as day.”
See more reactions from fighters below.
Garbage decision @AlexPereiraUFC clear as day won 3rds. Enjoy that new champ
— Brendan Schaub (@BrendanSchaub) March 9, 2025
What a performance put forth by Magomed Ankalaev. Tactical gameplan executed to perfection. The rematch will be legendary. #ANDNEW #UFC313
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) March 9, 2025
Congratulations Brother @AnkalaevM you made a history it was amazing performance against very tough opponent.
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) March 9, 2025
Good chess match. Ankalaev controlled Pereira a lot in key moments to take the rounds. Great story for Ankalaev to become the new champ #UFC313
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) March 9, 2025
I got it 4-1 Ankalaev but these judges….
— Matt Brown (@IamTheImmortal) March 9, 2025
All the fancy techniques can make great highlights and win some big fights but Ankalaev showed again that great discipline and great fundamentals win championships
— Matt Brown (@IamTheImmortal) March 9, 2025
No Chama 🙁
#UFC313
— Diana Belbiță (@DianaBelbita) March 9, 2025
That’s it… let’s ban grappling in MMA #ufc313
— Chase Hooper (@chase_hooper) March 9, 2025
Congrats to the NEW LHW Champion Magomed Ankalaev #UFC313
— Aleksandar Rakic (@rakic_ufc) March 9, 2025
Wowwww
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) March 9, 2025
Alex p may have lost but man the mma growth has been crazy takedown defense was on point
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) March 9, 2025
“Periera got robbed”
— Nazim Sadykhov (@naz_mma) March 9, 2025
Congrats to @AnkalaevM, beautiful pressure. Most of people dont like it, but you won the title for now.@AlexPereiraUFC, last dance ?
//\
— Jiri BJP Prochazka (@jiri_bjp) March 9, 2025
But I’m a hater tho!!!#bestbreakdownsinthegame
— Jamahal Hill (@JamahalH) March 9, 2025
Dana not happy. Ank got it
— Al Iaquinta (@ALIAQUINTA) March 9, 2025
I got ankalaev winning #UFC313
— The Prince (@AmirAlbazi) March 9, 2025
I think chama took it
— C H T O V E R A (@chitoveraUFC) March 9, 2025
I have it 3-2 Ankalaev
— Aiemann Zahabi (@Aiemannzahabi) March 9, 2025
One more belt going to Dagestan https://t.co/c3geDB3bsm
— ikram_aliskerov (@ikram_aliskerov) March 9, 2025
Proud of you my brother @AnkalaevM https://t.co/UxLaDukc07
— Shamil Gaziev (@GazievMMA) March 9, 2025