Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Magomed Ankalaev breaks silence after UFC 320 loss: 'If Allah tested me with defeat, then He wants to toughen me'

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Oct 6, 2025 11:39 AM ET

One day after dropping the UFC light heavyweight title to Alex Pereira in their UFC 320 rematch, Magomed Ankalaev issued his first public statement thanking supporters and framing the setback as a test he’ll grow from.

“If Allah tested me with defeat, then He wants to toughen me.
I bow to His will, but not to difficulties.
To those who stayed — thank you.
To those who turned out, thank you too.
After all, Allah clears the way not only of weakness, but also of unnecessary people.”

Pereira stopped Ankalaev in the first round to reclaim the belt, a result that likely moves the former champion out of immediate-rematch territory and into the broader contender queue.

The defeat is Ankalaev’s first since 2018, when he was submitted at the horn by Paul Craig in his UFC debut. Between that loss and UFC 320, Ankalaev went unbeaten over 14 fights, a run that included a unanimous-decision win over Pereira at UFC 313 earlier this year.

Magomed Ankalaev released a statement following his loss to Alex Pereira last night:

"If Allah tested me with defeat, it means he wants to strengthen me. I bow to his will, but not to difficulties.

To those who stayed by my side – thank you.

Thank you also to those who turned… pic.twitter.com/rY6c9tcvV6

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 5, 2025

What’s next

While an instant trilogy is unlikely, Ankalaev remains a top contender at 205 pounds. Expect the Dagestani standout to reset, target a high-ranked opponent, and build back toward another title shot.

By the numbers

Result at UFC 320: Pereira def. Ankalaev — TKO, Round 1
Ankalaev’s record: 21–2–1 (12–2–1 UFC)
Previous loss before UFC 320: Paul Craig — submission (triangle), 2018
Notable recent win: Pereira — unanimous decision, UFC 313

An 80-second shock doesn’t erase seven years of dominance. After his abrupt defeat to Alex Pereira at UFC 320, former light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev still owns the tools, temperament, and résumé to make a swift return to contention and likely to another title shot.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: