Tipster profile image
Victor Petkov
twitter iconlikedin iconlikedin icon
Head of Content authorBadge
Last Updated:

3 min read

Pereira blew out Ankalaev with 80-second KO in Vegas to reclaim title
google news logo Follow us
Add comment
The Brazilian took revenge for his defeat in April and showed again who is the better fighter

Alex Pereira delivered a statement performance at UFC 320, recapturing the light heavyweight championship with a blistering first-round TKO over Magomed Ankalaev.

The Brazilian needed just 80 seconds to avenge his loss from March, proving his earlier claims that he “wasn’t himself” in their first encounter were no exaggeration.

Pereira (14-3) stormed out of his corner from the opening bell, overwhelming Ankalaev (21-2-1) with relentless pressure. A crushing right hand to the chin sent the Dagestani fighter to the canvas, and a flurry of elbows from top position forced the referee to intervene, ending the bout in dramatic fashion.

“Vengeance is never a good thing, it’s kind of a poison sometimes,” Pereira said through an interpreter after the fight. “I told everyone I was not in good condition last time. Everyone saw it tonight.”

Before the rematch, Pereira’s camp revealed he had entered their first fight with a fractured tibia and had been on antibiotics due to illness. This time, a fully healthy and refocused “Poatan” showcased the explosive power and precision that made him a two-division kickboxing world champion before transitioning to MMA.