The UFC light heavyweight division has a new monarch.
Magomed Ankalaev delivered in the biggest fight of his career, earning a unanimous decision victory over Alex Pereira in the UFC 313 finals on Saturday.
Pereira, whose third defeat in 15 professional fights this is, therefore fails in his quest to defend his belt for a fourth time.
The judges gave the score 49-46, 48-47 and 48-47 in favor of the Russian fighter from Dagestan.
For his part, Ankalaev further extends a streak of 14 fights without having suffered a defeat in the UFC.
In the co-final of the evening, Justin Gaethje signed a unanimous decision victory (29-28 x 3) at the expense of Rafael Fiziev in a lightweight fight.
Gaethje had to settle for a points victory, despite coming close to ending the hostilities with a powerful uppercut that Fiziev survived in the second round.
It was the second time in as many meetings that Gaethje had the upper hand on Fiziev.
"I honestly hope this is our last fight against each other... unless it's for a belt! This guy is so tough , it's unbelievable," Gaethje said after his victory.
Category Fighters Results
Light heavyweight Alex Pereira - Magomed Ankalaev Ankalaev wins by decision
Light Justin Gaethje - Rafael Fiziev Gaethje wins by decision
Light Jalin Turner - Ignacio Bahamondes Bahamondes wins by submission in the 1st round
Straws Amanda Lemos - Iasmin Lucindo Lemos wins by decision
Light Bobby Green - Mauricio Ruffy Ruffy wins by KO in the 1st round
Flies Joshua Van - Rei Tsuruya Van wins by decision
Means Brunno Ferreira - Armen Petrosyan Ferreira wins by submission in the 2nd round
Middleweight Alex Morono - Carlos Leal Leal wins by KO in the 1st round
Feathers Mairon Santos - Francis Marshall Santos wins by decision
Feathers Chris Gutiérrez - John Castañeda Fight cancelled
Means Djorden Santos - Ozzy Diaz Diaz wins by decision.
0 Comments