Cheima Moufdil
Alex Pereira is once again the UFC light heavyweight champion after a stunning first-round knockout victory over Magomed Ankalaev in the UFC 320 main event.
In a complete reversal of their previous encounter—where Ankalaev outworked Pereira to a decision win—the Brazilian powerhouse wasted no time this time around. From the opening bell, Pereira stormed forward, unleashing a barrage of strikes that overwhelmed the Russian contender. A perfectly timed right hand broke through Ankalaev’s guard, sending him crashing to the canvas.
Pereira followed up with a vicious ground assault—hammer fists and precise 12-to-6 elbows—that forced referee Herb Dean to step in just 80 seconds into the fight. The emphatic stoppage marked a statement performance and the reclaiming of his light heavyweight throne.
“Vengeance is never a good thing—it’s a poison sometimes,” Pereira reflected afterward. “I wasn’t well last time. Nobody believed it, but you saw tonight what I can do.”
Ankalaev never had a chance to get going as Pereira dominated from start to finish, reminding everyone of the danger he brings when he’s at full strength.
Following the victory, Pereira revealed he had prepared a post-fight speech—likely a callout—but instead chose to honor the late Arthur Jones, brother of UFC legend Jon Jones, who passed away at 39.
“I had a whole speech prepared,” Pereira said. “But we got some sad news. I want to send my respect to Jon Jones and his family. Let’s take a moment of silence for his brother.”
It was a powerful gesture from a champion who showed both ferocity and grace. With the title once again around his waist, Pereira reaffirmed his place atop the division—leaving fans to wonder who can possibly stop him next.