Alex Pereira Stops Magomed Ankalaev to Retain UFC Light Heavyweight Title at UFC 323

On October 25, 2025, the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, witnessed a blockbuster co-main event at UFC 323 as Alex “Poatan” Pereira defended his UFC light heavyweight title with a second-round KO over Magomed Ankalaev at 4:10, extending his reign and silencing doubters. Pereira, the Brazilian kickboxing phenom, landed 38 of 62 significant strikes (61% accuracy), culminating in a devastating left hook that dropped Ankalaev, followed by ground-and-pound for the stoppage. Ankalaev, the undefeated Dagestani grappler, threatened with takedowns but landed only 22 of 50 strikes (44%), falling to 19-2-1. The 18,000-strong crowd, electric with Vegas fight-night energy, erupted as Pereira’s power prevailed, chanting “Po-a-tan!” amid the neon lights. Airing live on ESPN+ PPV at 9:30 p.m. ET alongside Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane, the fight lived up to X hype, with @UFC tweeting, “Pereira’s hook from hell—Ankalaev’s streak ends!” This title defense, part of a stacked card, cemented Pereira as the division’s dominant force while positioning Ankalaev for a rebound in a 205-pound class buzzing with talent.

Fight Overview

The Pereira vs. Ankalaev co-main event highlighted UFC 323’s main card, a 12-fight pay-per-view with prelims at 6:00 p.m. ET on ESPN+ and the main card at 8:00 p.m. ET on ESPN+ PPV. Slated for 9:30 p.m. ET, the five-round bout was Pereira’s third title defense since winning the belt in 2024, with the winner eyeing a potential superfight against heavyweight Tom Aspinall. BetMGM odds listed Pereira as the -140 favorite, reflecting his knockout streak (8 KOs in 12 UFC fights), while Ankalaev’s +120 underdog status highlighted his 10-0-1 UFC run. X posts fueled the hype, with @MMABuzzX tweeting, “Poatan’s power vs. Ankalaev’s wrestling—fireworks guaranteed,” and @CageVibeX predicting a “KO or sub before Round 3.” The T-Mobile Arena’s 18,000 fans, amped by Vegas’s fight-week festivities like fan expos on the Strip and live music at Fremont Street, created a fever-pitch atmosphere. Fans split 55% for Pereira’s striking and 45% for Ankalaev’s grappling upset, per @SkyBet polls, with the bout billed as a stylistic clash defining light heavyweight’s future.

Alex Pereira: The 38-year-old from São Paulo, Brazil, entered with a 12-2 record (10-2 UFC), including 9 knockouts. At 6’4” with a 79-inch reach, the southpaw’s 5.2 significant strikes per minute and 58% accuracy (UFC Stats) define his kickboxing base. His 2025 KO of Jamahal Hill showcased his power, averaging 1.8 knockdowns per fight. Trained by Glover Teixeira, X clips show Pereira drilling hooks with Israel Adesanya. @MMAJunkie notes, “Pereira’s a knockout artist—205’s nightmare.”

Magomed Ankalaev: The 33-year-old from Makhachkala, Russia, carried a 19-1-1 record (10-1-1 UFC), with 9 knockouts. At 6’3” with a 75-inch reach, the orthodox grappler’s 3.8 takedowns per fight and 56% accuracy (UFC Stats) highlight his sambo background. His 2025 decision over Aleksandar Rakić marked his title shot. Training at American Kickboxing Academy, X footage shows Ankalaev sharpening wrestling with Khabib Nurmagomedov. @BetsMMAX tweets, “Ankalaev’s +120 odds scream value—his control could smother.”

The Fight: Round-by-Round Breakdown

Round 1: The Vegas crowd roars as Pereira opens with a low kick, testing Ankalaev’s stance. Ankalaev shoots for a single-leg at 1:00, securing control for 1:20 and landing short elbows. Pereira scrambles up, landing a vicious knee to the body at 2:45 that draws a grimace. Pereira’s power shines late, landing 18 of 28 significant strikes (64%) to Ankalaev’s 12 of 25 (48%), per UFC Stats. @UFC scores it 10-9 Pereira, tweeting, “Poatan’s knees are deadly—Ankalaev’s in deep.”

Round 2: Ankalaev starts aggressively, landing a jab and takedown attempt, but Pereira stuffs it, countering with a left hook that drops Ankalaev at 1:50. Ankalaev rises at 7, but Pereira pounces with ground-and-pound. Ankalaev survives briefly, but Pereira’s barrage forces referee Marc Goddard to stop it at 4:10. Pereira lands 20 of 34 strikes in the round. @SherdogX confirms the KO, tweeting, “Pereira’s a monster—Vegas explodes!”

Key Moments and Impact

• Pereira’s Knee in Round 1: His clinch knee sapped Ankalaev’s energy, landing 61% of significant strikes overall. @MMAVibeX tweeted, “Poatan’s Muay Thai is lethal—Ankalaev felt that.”
• Ankalaev’s Takedown Attempt: His 1:20 control showed grappling threat, but 44% accuracy couldn’t capitalize. @BetsX365: “Ankalaev’s close, but Pereira’s too explosive.”
• Second-Round Hook: The left hook and ground-and-pound sealed it, per @FightFanX: “Pereira’s KO was brutal—streak continues.”
• Fan Reaction: T-Mobile’s 18,000 fans erupted, with X splitting 65% for Pereira (@UFC_Brazil: “Poatan’s king”) and 35% for Ankalaev’s grit (@showtimebets67: “Magomed’s a warrior”).

Post-Fight Analysis and Implications

In his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, Pereira called out Tom Aspinall, saying, “Heavyweight next—let’s make history.” His 11th UFC win, including a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus, cements him as light heavyweight’s top star. His 61% striking accuracy and 1.8 knockdown average highlight his dominance, though Ankalaev’s grappling tested his defense. @TheAthleticMMA: “Pereira’s unbeatable—superfight bound.”

Ankalaev, gracious in defeat, told ESPN, “Alex was better tonight—I’ll return stronger.” His second loss (19-2-1) keeps him top-5, with X suggesting a rebound vs. Khalil Rountree. @maniacbetsmma: “Ankalaev’s still elite—needs striking tweaks.” Light heavyweight remains stacked, with Jan Blachowicz and Jiri Prochazka lurking.

Event Context and Las Vegas Atmosphere

UFC 323 dazzled with Aspinall’s title defense and Shara Magomedov’s KO. Prelims featured a submission by Gillian Robertson. T-Mobile’s 18,000 fans, amid Strip expos and Fremont Street concerts, created electric vibes. @UFC tweeted, “Vegas brings the chaos!” 70% finish rate and ESPN+ PPV success marked a classic.

What’s Next?

Pereira eyes Aspinall in a superfight at UFC 325; Ankalaev faces Rountree in January. Pereira’s KO cements his reign, with crossover dreams next.

Pereira vs. Ankalaev on October 25, 2025, saw Alex Pereira KO Magomed Ankalaev in Round 2, his 61% striking accuracy and power securing the light heavyweight title. T-Mobile’s electric roar and blockbuster card amplified the stakes. As Pereira hunts a superfight and Ankalaev rebounds, this defines light heavyweight’s future.