Magomed Ankalaev wins UFC Light Heavyweight Gold, so Alex Pereira can avoid calling out Dricus du Plessis

The UFC world witnessed another historic moment at UFC 313, where Magomed Ankalaev decisively defeated Alex Pereira to claim the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. The victory solidified Ankalaev’s dominance in the division and marked yet another setback for Brazilian fighters against elite Russian opponents in title fights.

However, one lingering narrative has surfaced among fans—did Pereira lose to avoid calling out Dricus du Plessis? The South African star, also known as the African Lion, has been making waves in the middleweight division, and speculation is running wild about whether Pereira preferred to fall to Ankalaev rather than face the rising South African powerhouse.

This article will break down Ankalaev’s masterful performance, analyze Pereira’s struggles, and explore what’s next for all parties involved, including du Plessis.

Magomed Ankalaev: The New King of 205

The Dominance of Dagestan Continues

Magomed Ankalaev’s journey to UFC gold has been a textbook case of perseverance, skill development, and strategic execution. A product of Dagestan’s elite combat sports training, Ankalaev has blended powerful wrestling, striking, and tactical patience to become one of the most formidable light heavyweights in history.

His path to the title was filled with dominant performances over former champions and top contenders, proving that he was overdue for his moment in the spotlight.

Breaking Down Ankalaev vs. Pereira

The fight against Pereira was expected to be a classic striker vs. grappler matchup, with Ankalaev aiming to neutralize Pereira’s dangerous striking game. Here’s how it unfolded:

• Round 1: Pereira started strong, utilizing his signature leg kicks to compromise Ankalaev’s movement. Ankalaev remained composed, absorbing the strikes while setting up his counters.
• Round 2: Ankalaev turned up the pressure, securing a clinch and takedown that kept Pereira pinned to the mat for a significant portion of the round. Pereira’s defense held up, but Ankalaev clearly won the round.
• Round 3: This round saw Ankalaev fully impose his wrestling and top control. He successfully dragged Pereira down multiple times, sapping his energy and nullifying his knockout power.
• Round 4: With Pereira visibly slowing, Ankalaev landed crucial ground-and-pound strikes, nearly securing a stoppage. The Brazilian was able to survive, but by now, the fight was slipping away from him.
• Round 5: Pereira came out aggressively, knowing he needed a knockout. He landed some shots, but Ankalaev remained calculated, clinched effectively, and secured another takedown to seal the victory.

When the judges’ scorecards were announced—49-46, 49-46, and 48-47—it was clear that Magomed Ankalaev was the rightful champion.

Pereira’s Setback: What Went Wrong?

Struggles Against Wrestlers Continue

One of Pereira’s biggest vulnerabilities has been his grappling and wrestling defense. While he has made improvements, Ankalaev exposed those weaknesses with a relentless game plan that left Pereira with no room to unleash his deadly striking.

Did Pereira lose on purpose?

Some fans have speculated that Pereira’s loss may have been a blessing in disguise, preventing him from moving forward to call out Dricus du Plessis, the reigning UFC middleweight champion. While this theory is more humorous than serious, it does raise interesting questions about whether Pereira was prepared for the stylistic nightmare du Plessis presents.

Dricus du Plessis: The African Lion Looms Large

While Pereira was engaged in a war with Ankalaev, Dricus du Plessis was watching closely from the middleweight throne. Fresh off his stunning victory over Israel Adesanya, du Plessis has proven himself as a dominant force in the UFC’s 185-pound division.

Why Would Pereira Fear du Plessis?

Some MMA analysts believe that du Plessis presents an even tougher challenge for Pereira than Ankalaev due to his:

• Explosive grappling and unorthodox movement disrupt rhythm-based strikers like Pereira.
• High-pressure fighting style that overwhelms opponents, something we’ve seen Pereira struggle against.
• Insane cardio and durability, which make him difficult to finish early.

If Pereira had won at UFC 313, he may have been in line to challenge du Plessis for a middleweight showdown. However, with this loss, Pereira’s focus will likely remain on the light heavyweight division, keeping him away from a potential fight against the South African champion—for now.

What’s Next for Pereira, Ankalaev, and Du Plessis?

1. Magomed Ankalaev’s Next Challenge

Now that Ankalaev is the undisputed light heavyweight champion, the big question is: who’s next?

Some potential contenders include:

• Jiří Procházka: A former champion known for his wild, unpredictable style.
• Jamahal Hill: The former light heavyweight champ looking to reclaim his title.
• Jan Błachowicz (Rematch): Their previous fight ended in a controversial draw—unfinished business remains.

Ankalaev has established himself as a dominant champion, and it will take a well-rounded, highly strategic fighter to dethrone him.

2. Alex Pereira’s Path Forward

Despite this loss, Pereira remains one of the UFC’s biggest stars. But where does he go from here?

• Option 1: Immediate Rematch: If the UFC believes the fight was close enough, Pereira could get another shot at Ankalaev.
• Option 2: Move Back to Middleweight: If the light heavyweight title picture becomes too complicated, Pereira may consider cutting back to 185 pounds for another title run.
• Option 3: A Superfight with Israel Adesanya: The trilogy fight between Pereira and Adesanya remains one of the most highly anticipated matchups in UFC history.

Pereira has proven time and again that he can bounce back from defeat, so don’t count him out just yet.

3. Dricus du Plessis’ Reign in the Middleweight Division

With Israel Adesanya out of the title picture for now, du Plessis will have his sights set on:

• Khamzat Chimaev: A rising contender with elite wrestling that could pose a major challenge.
• Sean Strickland: Another rematch that could settle unfinished business.
• Potential Move to Light Heavyweight: If Du Plessis dominates the middleweight division, he may eventually move up to challenge Ankalaev himself.

Final Thoughts: A New Era in the UFC

Magomed Ankalaev’s dominant victory over Alex Pereira has reshaped the UFC’s light heavyweight division, while Dricus du Plessis continues to cement his legacy at middleweight.

For Pereira, this loss may be a setback, but it also keeps him away from a potential clash with du Plessis—at least for now. Fans can expect big moves in both the 185 and 205-pound divisions, with some epic matchups on the horizon.

One thing is clear: the UFC’s championship landscape has never been more exciting.