Pereira, a former kickboxing champion, has been a phenom since joining the UFC in 2021. He won middleweight gold in 2022 before moving up to light-heavyweight and adding a second belt in 2023. Then, last year, he recorded three successful title defences with TKOs of Jamahal Hill, Jiri Prochazka and Khalil Rountree Jr.

Magomed Ankalaev took the UFC light-heavyweight title from Alex Pereira on Saturday, ending the fan favourite’s reign with a unanimous-decision win. Ankalaev won 49-46, 48-47, 48-47 on the judges’ scorecards, as the Russian controlled Pereira in the grappling exchanges and even outstruck the kickboxing icon at UFC 313.

Mauricio Ruffy delivers knockout of the night with a spinning heel kick, Justin Gaethje shines and UFC honors Robbie Lawler with Hall of Fame spot.

Pereira, known for his kickboxing and devastating power, faces a formidable challenger in Ankalaev, who brings a well-rounded skill set with a strong wrestling base and solid striking. Ankalaev hasn’t lost since 2018, while Pereira last lost in 2023.

Firas Zahabi thinks Magomed Ankalaev had Alex Pereira overthinking throughout the fight at UFC 313. Pereira (12-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) lost his light heavyweight title to Magomed Ankalaev (21-1-1 MMA, 12-1-1

Alex Pereira's coaches disagree with the UFC 313 decision. Pereira (12-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) lost his light heavyweight title to Magomed Ankalaev (21-1-1 MMA, 12-1-1 UFC) by unanimous decision in Saturday's UFC 313 main event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.