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Alex Pereira Reclaims Light Heavyweight Title in Dominant First-Round Stoppage Against Magomed Ankalaev in Pereira-vs-Ankalaev-2 LAS VEGAS – Brazilian striking specialist Alex Pereira secured a devastating first-round technical knockout (TKO) victory against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320 in Las Vegas on Saturday, immediately reclaiming the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship belt in the highly anticipated pereira-vs-ankalaev-2 rematch. The abrupt finish, coming at just 1:20 of the opening round, stunned the T-Mobile Arena crowd and decisively inverted the result of their prior championship contest seven months ago. Pereira, known as 'Poatan' (Hand of Stone), walked down the reigning champion from the opening bell, demonstrating an urgency that was absent in their first meeting. The finish was set up by a sharp overhand right that visibly stunned Ankalaev, prompting the Russian to instinctively shoot for a takedown. Pereira effortlessly stuffed the attempt, reversed the position, and unleashed a torrent of strikes, including thunderous elbows, on the grounded Ankalaev. Referee Herb Dean stepped in swiftly to halt the contest, ending Ankalaev’s first title defence and his impressive 14-match unbeaten streak. The outcome marked a significant shift in momentum for a rivalry that has defined the Light Heavyweight division throughout 2025. Their first encounter at UFC 313 in March saw Ankalaev capture the title via a measured unanimous decision. That five-round contest was defined by Ankalaev’s tactical pressure, effective striking volume, and sustained clinch control, which successfully neutralised Pereira’s renowned power.
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However, the build-up to the immediate rematch was rife with questions regarding the circumstances of their first fight. Pereira had revealed in the aftermath of the March defeat that he had been battling both illness, specifically norovirus, and a lingering hand issue leading into the contest. This raised speculation among analysts that a fully healthy Pereira might present a far more dangerous challenge. After the decisive victory on Saturday, Pereira addressed the media, referencing his physical condition in the first bout. Speaking through a translator, the newly crowned champion stated simply: “I wasn’t well that night, but tonight I was very well. ” The result was a shocking reversal for Magomed Ankalaev, who entered the bout as the bookmakers' favorite. Analysts largely favoured the Dagestani fighter to repeat his tactical success, with many predicting another decision victory. His disciplined, wrestling-adjacent style was widely expected to suppress Pereira’s explosive kickboxing pedigree over five rounds. UFC analyst and former fighter Din Thomas, speaking before the event, highlighted the technical advantage Ankalaev possessed.
“Ankalaev’s strength is his all-roundedness and his ability to control the pace in the clinch,” Thomas had noted. “He doesn’t need to rely solely on takedowns; he just needs to nullify Pereira’s offensive threats. ” The betting line reflected this consensus, with Ankalaev closing as a notable favourite. Pereira’s emphatic first-round stoppage thus not only returned the championship to him but also delivered a decisive rebuttal to those who believed Ankalaev had found the permanent blueprint for defeating him. The night’s success was also evident in the financial figures, with the T-Mobile Arena reporting a sold-out attendance of 19,081 and a total gate of over $8. 8 million, underscoring the commercial appeal of the two fighters. High-profile athletes, including NBA star Draymond Green, were among the celebrities in attendance, highlighting the fight's crossover appeal. With the Light Heavyweight division now anchored once again by Pereira, the focus immediately shifts to the next challenger. The co-main event of UFC 320 featured a dominant performance by former champion Jiřı́ Procházka, who secured a devastating third-round knockout over Khalil Rountree Jr.
in a bout widely viewed as a number-one contender match. Procházka, whom Pereira has previously defeated twice, is now the clear front-runner for the next title shot, setting up a potential trilogy contest in the coming months. The outcome of pereira-vs-ankalaev-2 solidifies Alex Pereira’s standing as one of the most dominant and rapid ascensions in the history of mixed martial arts. Having now captured the Light Heavyweight title for a second time, Pereira has demonstrated an unprecedented ability to translate elite kickboxing ability into MMA success. For Ankalaev, the loss marks the end of his momentum and necessitates a strategic recalibration, but at 33, he remains a key figure in the division’s landscape. The landscape of the light heavyweight class remains tightly contested, with Pereira’s short-lived reign now restarted and a host of contenders waiting for the next instalment.
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