Magomed Ankalaev emerged victorious at UFC 313, defeating Alex Pereira via unanimous decision to claim the vacant UFC light heavyweight championship. In a fight that lacked fireworks but showcased high-level strategy, Ankalaev’s relentless pressure and calculated striking earned him scores of 49-46, 48-47, and 48-47. The victory extended Ankalaev’s unbeaten streak to 14 fights and solidified his status as one of the most versatile fighters in the division.
Magomed Ankalaev just BEAT Alex Pereira via unanimous decision at UFC 313 🤯 pic.twitter.com/mAn4AyOgk0
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) March 9, 2025
The bout began with Pereira utilizing his signature leg kicks to slow Ankalaev’s forward momentum. However, Ankalaev adjusted by cutting off the cage and forcing Pereira to fight on his back foot. While many expected Ankalaev to rely on his wrestling, he instead opted for a striking-heavy approach, outlanding Pereira in key exchanges and controlling the clinch in later rounds. Despite Pereira’s attempts to rally in the fifth round, Ankalaev’s consistent pressure proved decisive.
Post-fight, Ankalaev criticized Pereira for “running” during much of the fight, while UFC President Dana White hinted at a potential rematch between the two. With the division now under Ankalaev’s reign, here are three potential matchups for the new champion:
Immediate Rematch with Alex Pereira
An immediate rematch is perhaps the most likely scenario. Dana White has already stated that a second fight between Ankalaev and Pereira is “probably” next. The first bout was competitive, with some fans questioning whether Pereira could have done more to secure victory. A rematch would give both fighters an opportunity to adjust their game plans—Pereira could focus on being more aggressive, while Ankalaev might aim for a more dominant performance to silence critics of his methodical style.
Magomed Ankalaev showed respect to Alex Pereira after #UFC313 and offered a rematch. pic.twitter.com/FUkxtfQxpm
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) March 9, 2025
Pereira has vowed to return stronger, promising adjustments to counter Ankalaev’s forward pressure. With the Brazilian still ranked highly in the pound-for-pound standings, a rematch would generate significant interest and provide clarity in the light heavyweight division.
Jan Błachowicz: A Clash of Styles
If the UFC opts against an immediate rematch, a title defense against former champion Jan Błachowicz could be next for Ankalaev. The two fought to a controversial draw at UFC 282, leaving unfinished business between them[4]. Błachowicz’s mix of power striking and grappling would pose an intriguing challenge for Ankalaev, who has grown more confident in his striking since their last encounter.
Can we get a rematch for the title at light heavy weight between Magomed Ankalaev & Jan Blachowicz ? It was a super close fight. Also since the champ is out with an Achilles injury and Jiri status unknown, this would make the most sense. #UFC pic.twitter.com/eliLKlqeEf
— ChrisXP (@PincayChris) July 14, 2023
This matchup would also appeal to fans eager to see if Błachowicz can reclaim his title or if Ankalaev can definitively prove himself as the superior fighter.
Jiri Prochazka: The Battle for Dominance
Another exciting option is a showdown with former champion Jiri Prochazka. Known for his unorthodox striking and relentless pace, Prochazka would test Ankalaev in ways few others can. This fight would pit Prochazka’s chaos against Ankalaev’s calculated approach, making for a stylistic clash that could headline any pay-per-view event.
❗️ Jiri Prochazka defends Magomed Ankalaev’s performance and congratulates him on his title win
Ankalaev responds by calling him a “fraud” who “needs to go win some fights” pic.twitter.com/CEyev2VQ2U
— ACD MMA (@acdmma_) March 9, 2025
Prochazka has been recovering from injury but remains one of the most dangerous fighters in the division. A title fight between these two would determine who truly reigns supreme at 205 pounds.
Ankalaev’s victory at UFC 313 marked a new chapter for the light heavyweight division. Whether it’s a rematch with Pereira or fresh challenges against other top contenders, the Dagestani champion has options aplenty as he begins his reign atop one of MMA’s most storied weight classes. Fans can expect high-stakes drama no matter which path he takes next.
