Magomed Ankalaev defeated Alex Pereira at UFC 313, became new champion

Magomed Ankalaev defeated Alex Pereira at UFC 313, the Dagestan became the new champion of the UFC organization in the welterweight category.

Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev faced off in the fight of the evening at UFC 313 in Las Vegas. The duel was contracted for five rounds, and the UFC welterweight championship belt was at stake. The Brazilian and the Russian are not fond of each other, which further heated up emotions before the fight.

Alex Pereira comes from a kickboxing background, however, after switching to MMA he quickly swept the UFC organization first reaching the middleweight belt and then the welterweight division title. Magomed Ankalaev had a chance to win the belt in the past, however, he failed to do so.

A quiet start to the fight for the welterweight belt. Alex Pereira brought out several low kicks to the contender’s kicking leg. Magomed Ankalaev responds with a single kick. A lot of examination and touchdowns by both fighters. An exchange of blows, the Dagestanian ends it with a high kick, however Poatan ducked properly. Alex Pereira brought out a missed spinner, however, he immediately added another high kick, which entered the opponent’s guard. A nice low kick by Magomed. At the end of the round Pereira hit a low kick which made Akalaev move for a knockdown. However, the champion successfully defended his rival’s wrestling attack.

Magomed Ankalaev is trying to close Alex Pereira on the net. The Dagestanian already has his right leg heavily dug in and changes position. Alex Pereira takes out a few punches. The pace of the fight is still calm. A good middle kick by Ankalaev and a successful kick to the thigh of the champion. Great counter by Magomed, who hit with a strong right. Exchange in which it’s Ankalaev again comes out better hitting with left and right. Alex hits with low kicks and short punches under the net. Magomed Ankalaev responds. A great combination and two strong punches by Ankalaev, which shocked Pereira.

Once again, both fighters focus mainly on enveloping their opponent’s legs. Magomed Ankalaev builds an advantage by imposing the pace of the fight and moving forward. The Dagestanian moves for an overthrow Poatan defends himself and on breaking up the clinch he launches a powerful punch. A series of kicks by Pereira, to which Ankalaev responds with a nice strong knee to the champion’s torso. Magomed hits with a right to which Alex responds with a combination. Relentless pressure by the contender. Ankalaev hits with another solid straight.

Magomed Ankalaev quickly entered the clinch at the beginning of the fourth round. The Dagestanian attacks with knees and tries to get a takedown. Alex Pereira defends himself nicely however he still allows himself to be pressed against the net. Two good lefts from the contender, who immediately moves into the clinch again and continues the painstaking work. Alex Pereira continues to attack mainly the opponent’s legs. Two lefts by Ankalaev. Magomed once again initiates a clinch under the net. Alex Pereira came close to reversing the situation. Ankalaev hits twice with strong knees. Alex Pereira also responds with a knee.

Anakalev launches a good, aggressive attack ending with a solid right. Alex Pereira hits with a left hook. Alex Pereira hits with a high kick and Ankalaev felt the impact. Poatan wanted to move on the champion but the latter cleverly went back to what he had been doing throughout the fight and started to dictate the pace himself. Another good high kick and an accurate left by Pereira. Magomed goes to the clinch. End of the fight after a full distance. Magomed Ankalaev defeated Alex Pereira by unanimous decision of the judges.