Magomed Ankalaev won the UFC 313 light heavyweight title with a unanimous decision over Alex Pereira, with UFC CEO Dana White acknowledging Ankalaev’s effective strategy and pressure, while suggesting a potential immediate rematch due to Pereira’s status as a great champion.
Magomed Ankalaev snagged the light heavyweight title with a unanimous decision over Alex Pereira at UFC 313. But, was there any drama with those scorecards?
UFC CEO Dana White wasn’t exactly thrilled by the fight’s action. Still, he didn’t think it was a robbery. Ankalaev nearly knocked down Pereira in the second round and kept him pinned against the cage to secure his win.
“It was not what I expected,” White admitted during the post-fight press conference. “I expected more shooting, more exchanges.”
Yet, when the decision was announced, White wasn’t surprised. “I thought Ankalaev won,” he said.
Even though White believed Ankalaev deserved the victory, he acknowledged Pereira’s prowess as a champion. A rematch? Totally on the table.
“Probably [an immediate rematch],” White hinted.
Before the fight, Pereira faced scrutiny about his activities outside the cage. He traveled to Australia to corner Sean Strickland for UFC 312 and attended several promotional events.
UFC veterans Daniel Cormier and Matt Brown voiced concerns about Pereira’s packed schedule. Could it have distracted him from this critical bout against Ankalaev?
White couldn’t say for sure if Pereira was distracted but noted that maintaining discipline becomes tricky once fighters hit superstar status.
“That’s a question for him,” White remarked. “He’s been bouncing around, but when you become a big star, lots of doors open.”
No one doubted that Ankalaev would be a formidable opponent for Pereira. It was likely his toughest challenge yet.
Regardless of Pereira’s focus, White praised Ankalaev’s strategy. The fight may not have been legendary, but Ankalaev outperformed Pereira across five rounds.
“I wouldn’t take anything from Ankalaev,” White stated. “He kept pushing forward. Even in the fifth round, Alex’s corner urged him to go all out.”
In the end, Ankalaev emerged victorious with a unanimous decision win over Pereira.