Pereira Shocks Ankalaev with Devastating First-Round TKO in UFC 320 Title Rematch

Pereira Upsets Ankalaev with First-Round TKO in Title Rematch at UFC 320 LAS VEGAS - In a stunning upset, Brazil's Alex Pereira regained his undisputed light heavyweight championship belt by defeating Magomed Ankalaev via technical knockout (TKO) in the first round of their highly anticipated rematch at UFC 320 on October 4, 2025, at T-Mobile Arena. Pereira, known for his devastating striking skills, wasted no time in asserting his dominance over the heavily favored Russian champion. Just 1 minute and 20 seconds into the fight, Pereira landed a crushing right hook that sent Ankalaev crashing to the canvas, forcing referee Herb Dean to stop the contest. "It was an incredible feeling," Pereira said in the post-fight interview. "I knew I had the skills and the training to take him down. I'm just glad it all came together tonight." The victory marked a remarkable turnaround for Pereira, who suffered a unanimous decision loss to Ankalaev seven months earlier at UFC 315. Since then, Pereira has been on a mission to redeem himself, and his hard work paid off in spectacular fashion. Pereira's impressive performance was a testament to his dedication and perseverance. The 35-year-old Brazilian fighter has now won three of his last four fights, including two title bouts. Ankalaev, who was seeking to become the first Russian-born champion in UFC light heavyweight history, was left stunned by the quick defeat. "I didn't expect it to end like that," Ankalaev said. "Alex is a tough opponent, and I underestimated him tonight." The win marked Pereira's second title reign in the light heavyweight division, cementing his status as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world. UFC President Dana White praised Pereira's impressive victory, saying, "Alex Pereira proved once again why he's one of the best in the business. He took on a tough opponent and came out on top." The win sets up a potential showdown between Pereira and other top contenders in the light heavyweight division. With his title reign now firmly established, Pereira will look to continue his winning streak in the coming months. In related news, UFC 320 marked the first time that T-Mobile Arena has hosted a UFC event since 2022, with fans returning in full force to witness the thrilling action on display. The sold-out crowd was electric throughout the night, cheering on their favorite fighters and creating an unforgettable atmosphere. As for Pereira, he's already looking ahead to his next challenge. "I'm not done yet," he said confidently. "I want to keep pushing myself and proving that I'm one of the best in the world." *Reporting by Aljazeera.*