Magomed Ankalaev Dethrones Alex Pereira to Claim UFC Light Heavyweight Title at UFC 313

In a stunning turn of events at UFC 313 on March 8, 2025, Magomed Ankalaev dethroned Alex Pereira to become the new UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. The bout, held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, concluded unanimously in favor of Ankalaev, with judges scoring the fight 49–46, 48–47, and 48–47. Pereira, renowned for his striking prowess, struggled to implement his usual game plan against Ankalaev's tactical approach.

The Brazilian initiated the fight aggressively, delivering numerous low kicks, but Ankalaev's resilience and strategic pressure shifted the momentum. Notably, Ankalaev's striking in the second round visibly affected Pereira, setting the tone for the remainder of the match. This defeat has significantly impacted Pereira's standing in the UFC rankings. He has dropped to No. 8 in the pound-for-pound rankings, while Ankalaev has ascended to the No. 6 spot.

The co-main event featured a lightweight clash between Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev. In a thrilling contest, Gaethje emerged victorious via unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the bout 29–28 in his favor. Their performance earned them the "Fight of the Night" bonus, highlighting the bout's intensity and entertainment value.

The event also showcased remarkable performances from other fighters. Ignacio Bahamondes secured a "Performance of the Night" bonus with a first-round submission victory over Jalin Turner, applying a triangle choke at 2:29. Similarly, rising star Maurício Ruffy delivered a spectacular knockout, defeating Bobby Green with a spinning wheel kick just over two minutes into the first round, earning himself a performance bonus as well. UFC 313 will be remembered for its significant upsets and standout performances, marking a pivotal moment in the careers of both Ankalaev and Pereira.