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Alex Pereira blitzes Magomed Ankalaev in 80 seconds to reclaim the light heavyweight title

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Oct 5, 2025 9:51 AM ET

LAS VEGAS —Alex Pereira insisted his first meeting with Magomed Ankalaev was a fluke. In the rematch, he proved it. The former middleweight champion recaptured the UFC light heavyweight belt with a stunning 80-second TKO of Ankalaev in Saturday’s main event at T-Mobile Arena, erasing a March decision loss and ending Ankalaev’s run with the title.

Pereira came forward immediately and fired a huge right hand to set the tone. After Ankalaev weathered the early surge, Pereira drilled him with another right that sent the champion to the canvas as he reached for a desperation takedown. From top position, Pereira poured on measured but vicious elbows a couple to the body and several to the side of the head forcing the stoppage at 1:20 of Round 1. It was the first knockout loss of Ankalaev’s career.

Jon Jones posted this after Alex Pereira honored his late brother Arthur Jones. pic.twitter.com/MxfVW3nJQe

— ESPN (@espn) October 5, 2025

Context from March

Pereira (13–3 MMA, 10–2 UFC) lost the belt to Ankalaev (21–2–1, 12–2–1 UFC) by decision at UFC 313 in March, later claiming he was far from full strength. Entering the rematch as an underdog, he left no doubt this time.

What it means

Pereira begins his second reign at 205 pounds, adding to a résumé that already includes a championship run at 185. With the belt back around his waist, the division’s pecking order resets and any future discussions of a trilogy or fresh challengers will now run through him.

By the numbers

Result: Pereira def. Ankalaev — TKO (elbows), 1:20 of Round 1
Streaks snapped: First KO loss of Ankalaev’s career
Backdrop: Avenges March 2025 decision defeat to the same opponent

Three takeaways

Fast start, faster finish: Pereira’s opening pressure immediately disrupted Ankalaev’s rhythm.
Calculated violence: The finishing elbows were surgical—short, accurate, and fight-ending.
Statement made: Any talk of the first fight being an outlier now has highlight-reel evidence to the contrary.

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

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