Alex Pereira Reclaims Title With 80-Second Knockout Over Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320
In a sensational performance at UFC 320 in Las Vegas, Alex Pereira reclaimed the light heavyweight championship by knocking out Magomed Ankalaev in just 1 minute and 20 seconds of the first round. The victory marked a dramatic turnaround from their earlier encounter, where Ankalaev had defeated Pereira by decision.
Alex Pereira: A Fight That Ended Before It Began
From the opening bell, Pereira charged forward with confidence and aggression. His trademark power punches found their mark early, and a perfectly timed right hand sent Ankalaev stumbling. Pereira wasted no time following up with a relentless ground assault, including sharp elbows and hammer fists, forcing the referee to step in and stop the fight.
The crowd erupted as Pereira celebrated his redemption—proving that his devastating striking ability remains one of the most feared weapons in MMA. Ankalaev, known for his wrestling and control, never had the chance to execute his game plan before the bout was over.
Lessons From Their First Encounter
The first meeting between Pereira and Ankalaev had been a tactical five-round contest that ended with a decision victory for Ankalaev. Many fans debated the outcome, feeling Pereira had done enough to retain the belt. Going into the rematch, Ankalaev confidently predicted a repeat performance and even mocked Pereira’s training methods.
This time, however, Pereira appeared sharper, stronger, and far more aggressive. His improved timing and composure were evident, and he made a statement by finishing the fight so quickly.
A Gesture of Respect
After his win, Pereira avoided any post-fight trash talk and instead dedicated his victory to Arthur Jones, the late brother of former champion Jon Jones. The gesture drew praise across the MMA community and highlighted Pereira’s sportsmanship and humility even in triumph.
What Comes Next
Pereira’s emphatic victory resets the landscape of the light heavyweight division. His dominance and quick finish have reignited conversations about potential superfights—perhaps even a move back up to heavyweight in the future. For Ankalaev, the loss ends a long undefeated streak and forces him to reconsider his approach against elite strikers.
Significance of the Win
- Redemption achieved – Pereira erased doubts from his earlier defeat.
- Historic knockout – An 80-second finish in a title fight cements his reputation as one of MMA’s most explosive finishers.
- Division shake-up – Contenders like Carlos Ulberg and Jamahal Hill may now eye a title shot.
Alex Pereira’s comeback at UFC 320 not only restores him as the light heavyweight king but also reminds the world why he’s considered one of the most dangerous strikers in modern combat sports.