In less than 90 seconds, Alex “Poatan” Pereira reminded the world why he’s one of the most fearsome finishers in MMA history. At UFC 320, Pereira delivered a brutal first-round TKO to Magomed Ankalaev, reclaiming the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship and cementing his status among the UFC modern legends.
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From Defeat to Dominance: The Rematch Story
Earlier in 2025 at UFC 313, Pereira was dethroned via unanimous decision by Ankalaev, a bruising loss that saw Pereira’s stock surge despite the setback. Many wondered whether he could bounce back. In response, Pereira entered their rematch with a fierce intention: no hesitation, no conservative measures.
He opened fire early with calf kicks and feints that disrupted Ankalaev’s rhythm, then landed a powerful right hand that dropped the champion. From there, a rain of elbows and strikes forced referee Herb Dean to halt the fight at 1 minute and 20 seconds. Even in the celebration, Pereira revealed he believed he broke his foot after throwing his first leg kick, a testament to the physical sacrifice in securing the win.
Why This Victory Elevates Him Among UFC Greats
Dual-Division Dominance
Pereira is one of the very few fighters in UFC history to claim titles in two different weight classes. Prior to his light heavyweight reigns, he was already the UFC Middleweight Champion. That crossover success is rare, and it demonstrates elite adaptability.
Killer Instinct & Fight IQ
Beyond raw power, Pereira’s wins often come from impeccable timing, power, and fight IQ. His ability to mix distances, adapt under pressure, and finish fights is a hallmark of the all-time greats. The speed and decisiveness of this UFC 320 win echo that reputation.
Resilience & Redemption
Few fighters reclaim lost glory with such dominance. Pereira’s path, losing the belt, recalibrating, and then finishing in emphatic fashion, echoes narratives of legends who’ve bounced back stronger. The psychological edge of that journey adds weight to his legacy.
What’s Next: The Road Forward
Now that the title is back around his waist, all eyes shift to Pereira’s next move. Possible challengers include Carlos Ulberg, already gaining traction in the rankings. Even so, he’s hinted at thoughts of a superfight at heavyweight, possibly against Jon Jones, whose personal journey has been in focus lately.
Yet despite those blockbuster possibilities, standing firm atop the belt in 205 lbs will remain his immediate priority. He’s got work to do, to defend, to silence doubters, and to stack historic wins.
