In a stunning upset at UFC 320, Alex Pereira reclaimed his light heavyweight title with a technical knockout of Magomed Ankalaev. The event took place on October 5, 2025, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Pereira’s Quick Victory
Pereira dominated the first round, winning in just one minute and 20 seconds. He stunningly dropped Ankalaev with a powerful right hook shortly after the fight began. Following the knockdown, Pereira unleashed a series of punches and elbows, leading the referee to stop the match.
Breaking Ankalaev’s Unbeaten Streak
- Magomed Ankalaev had an impressive unbeaten streak of 14 fights.
- His last defeat prior to this match was in March 2018.
- Ankalaev had previously beaten Pereira at UFC 313 in March 2025.
Pre-fight betting favored Ankalaev heavily, with 89 percent of bets placed on him at BetMGM. Pereira entered the match as an underdog, claiming he had fought at just 40 percent of his usual capability during their last encounter.
Pereira’s Title and Future Prospects
This victory marks Pereira’s return as a two-time UFC light heavyweight champion. His performance reignites interest in the light heavyweight division, especially with fellow fighter Jiri Prochazka also winning his match by knockout that night.
Additional Highlights from UFC 320
- Co-Main Event: Merab Dvalishvili successfully defended his bantamweight title against Cory Sandhagen via unanimous decision.
- Judges scored the bout 49-45, 49-45, and 49-46 in favor of Dvalishvili.
- Exciting Light Heavyweight Bout: Jiri Prochazka defeated Khalil Rountree Jr. with a knockout in the third round.
As the light heavyweight title picture unfolds, Pereira’s path forward may clash again with Prochazka, setting the stage for potential thrilling matchups in the coming months.
