The UFC has always been home to some of the most electrifying and intense matchups in combat sports, and when two fighters of the caliber of Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev face off, it’s nothing short of a spectacle. Both fighters bring their own brand of devastating power, skill, and intensity to the cage, and fans were eagerly awaiting what was expected to be a thrilling contest.

As the fight unfolded, it delivered on every promise — showcasing the heart, strength, and technique of two fighters vying for a spot at the top of the UFC ranks. Let’s break down the highlights from the Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev showdown.

The Build-Up: A Clash of Styles

Before stepping into the cage, the narrative surrounding this fight was clear: Alex Pereira, the former middleweight champion and kickboxing legend, was known for his devastating knockout power, particularly his striking ability. Pereira’s ability to end a fight with one punch or kick had made him one of the most feared fighters in the division. On the other hand, Magomed Ankalaev, the surging Russian light-heavyweight contender, was known for his impressive all-around game, with his striking, grappling, and tactical approach making him one of the most well-rounded fighters in the division.

Pereira had just made the move up to light-heavyweight, and this was seen as a crucial test of whether his knockout power could translate into a higher weight class against a fighter as skilled and dangerous as Ankalaev.

Round 1: A Feeling-Out Process

As the first round began, both fighters were cautious, with Ankalaev’s disciplined approach to striking quickly becoming evident. Pereira, known for his aggression and ability to cut off the cage, came out looking to establish his distance with heavy leg kicks and jabs. However, Ankalaev’s footwork and timing kept Pereira at bay, and he was able to avoid most of Pereira’s power shots while landing clean counter strikes of his own.

Ankalaev’s sharp jab and low kicks seemed to frustrate Pereira early on, as the Brazilian struggled to get inside. Pereira’s usual striking range seemed diminished as Ankalaev controlled the distance and effectively avoided the heavy power shots that are a staple of his attack. Towards the end of the round, Pereira did manage to land a few of his trademark kicks, but Ankalaev’s defense and movement were on point, leaving the first round quite competitive but leaning slightly in favor of the Russian.

Key Highlight: Ankalaev’s precise counter-striking and ability to neutralize Pereira’s offense stood out, showing how his tactical approach was frustrating the former middleweight champ.

Round 2: Ankalaev’s Ground Game Shines

Coming into the second round, both fighters seemed more comfortable, but it was Magomed Ankalaev who took control of the action in a big way. While Pereira remained dangerous on the feet, Ankalaev showed his versatility by mixing in takedowns. In a clinch exchange, Ankalaev used his strength to land a beautiful trip and took Pereira to the ground.

Once on the canvas, Ankalaev’s grappling began to shine. Pereira, known primarily for his striking, was forced to defend on the ground, and Ankalaev’s top control was exceptional. Ankalaev looked for opportunities to pass guard and create openings for ground and pound, while Pereira struggled to get back to his feet.

Key Highlight: Ankalaev’s ability to mix in his grappling with his striking was a crucial factor in this round. While Pereira remained dangerous, Ankalaev’s ground control was a game-changer, clearly scoring him points.

Round 3: Pereira’s Resilience

In the third round, Alex Pereira showed his resilience and made adjustments. While Ankalaev continued to control the pace, Pereira’s experience and striking acumen began to shine through more. He started to find his rhythm, landing a few clean left hooks and body kicks that briefly seemed to hurt Ankalaev. Pereira looked to press the action, but Ankalaev’s defense remained airtight, blocking most of Pereira’s strikes while constantly resetting the pace with his own jab and low kicks.

However, Pereira’s power was still a looming threat, and Ankalaev had to stay sharp. Despite a few moments where Pereira seemed to find his openings, Ankalaev’s composure and ability to neutralize Pereira’s power punches were on display. As the round went on, Ankalaev’s patience and tactical striking kept Pereira from ever truly taking over.

Key Highlight: Pereira’s striking moments were sharp, but Ankalaev’s defense and composure continued to frustrate him. Pereira’s brief moments of success were counterbalanced by Ankalaev’s superior all-around game.

Round 4: Ankalaev’s Dominance Continues

By round four, it was clear that Ankalaev was in the driver’s seat. Pereira, who had made his name with explosive finishes, seemed to be losing steam, as Ankalaev’s pressure continued to wear him down. Ankalaev’s leg kicks were particularly damaging, visibly slowing Pereira’s movement. The Russian continued to mix in his wrestling, ensuring that Pereira couldn’t settle into a rhythm or get comfortable with his striking.

In the stand-up exchanges, Ankalaev’s versatility as a fighter shone through. He wasn’t just a striker; he was a complete fighter who could dictate the pace in multiple areas of the game. Pereira, while still dangerous, seemed to be losing ground with each passing minute, and Ankalaev’s ability to mix strikes, movement, and wrestling created a dominant display.

Key Highlight: Ankalaev’s ability to stay unpredictable and his relentless pressure in all areas of the game were the defining factors of round four.

Round 5: The Final Push

In the final round, Pereira knew he needed a finish to win. He came out aggressive, landing a few solid combinations and trying to corner Ankalaev. However, Ankalaev remained unflappable. His composure under pressure was evident as he continued to avoid the majority of Pereira’s strikes while landing his own counters.

Despite Pereira’s efforts, Ankalaev continued to control the fight, avoiding any major damage and effectively neutralizing Pereira’s power. The Russian fighter’s ability to remain calm under pressure and stay tactically sound throughout the fight led to a near-perfect final round, securing his victory as the bell rang.

Key Highlight: Ankalaev’s impeccable defense and striking in the final round demonstrated his dominance. Pereira’s efforts were commendable, but Ankalaev’s consistent pressure and tactical brilliance were too much to overcome.

Conclusion: A Masterclass Performance from Ankalaev

Magomed Ankalaev emerged victorious in this exciting battle with Alex Pereira, earning the unanimous decision after five rounds of action. While Pereira showcased his trademark striking and resilience, it was Ankalaev’s well-rounded game, mixing crisp striking with top-notch grappling, that ultimately led him to victory.

Ankalaev’s performance solidified his place as one of the top contenders in the UFC light-heavyweight division, showcasing his versatility and composure under pressure. Pereira, while not at his best, showed that he still possesses the heart of a champion. This fight demonstrated the importance of adaptability and versatility in the UFC, as Ankalaev was able to neutralize Pereira’s most dangerous weapons with his methodical approach.

For fans, this fight was a reminder of why we love MMA — the clash of styles, the tactical adjustments, and the sheer will to win. It’ll be exciting to see what both fighters do next in their respective careers.