Alex Pereira Falls Downhill in UFC Pound-for-Pound Rankings After UFC 313 Loss to Magomed Ankalaev

The landscape of the UFC light heavyweight division has been dramatically reshaped following UFC 313. In the main event, Magomed Ankalaev defeated Alex Pereira to claim the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. This highly anticipated fight not only crowned a new champion but also had a significant impact on the UFC’s pound-for-pound (P4P) rankings.

Once ranked No. 2 on the prestigious list, Pereira dropped six spots to No. 8 after his unanimous decision loss. Meanwhile, Ankalaev catapulted into the top 6, solidifying his status as one of the best fighters in the world.

With Islam Makhachev, Jon Jones, and Ilia Topuria occupying the top three spots, the UFC’s rankings continue to evolve. But what led to Pereira’s fall? What does Ankalaev’s rise mean for the division? Let’s break it all down.

UFC 313 Main Event: Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira

Fight Breakdown

Going into the fight, Alex Pereira was widely regarded as one of the most dangerous strikers in the UFC. His devastating knockout power and precision had earned him both the middleweight and light heavyweight championships, making him one of the few fighters in UFC history to claim titles in multiple divisions.

Magomed Ankalaev, on the other hand, entered the octagon with a well-rounded skill set, blending powerful wrestling, precise striking, and excellent fight IQ. While Pereira relied on his ability to finish fights early, Ankalaev had built his reputation as a methodical and patient fighter, capable of shutting down an opponent’s offense over five rounds.

As expected, Pereira came out strong in the first round, utilizing his signature calf kicks to limit Ankalaev’s movement. The strategy worked well in the early exchanges, visibly slowing down the Russian contender.

However, Ankalaev adapted quickly. By the second round, he started cutting off Pereira’s angles and forcing clinch exchanges. This neutralized Pereira’s ability to land clean shots. Despite Pereira’s impressive takedown defense, stuffing all 12 of Ankalaev’s takedown attempts, Ankalaev controlled the pace of the fight with his forward pressure and clinch work.

The championship rounds saw Ankalaev dictating the action, while Pereira struggled to create openings. After five grueling rounds, the judges scored the fight 49-46, 48-47, and 48-47 in favor of Magomed Ankalaev, making him the new light heavyweight champion.

Controversy and Reactions

The decision, while unanimous, sparked heated debates within the MMA community. Many fans and analysts believed the fight was much closer than the scores suggested.

Pereira’s team, including coaches Plinio Cruz and Glover Teixeira, argued that Pereira had won at least three rounds, pointing to his effective striking and damage inflicted.

Pereira himself was disappointed with Ankalaev’s “boring style,” stating that the Russian fighter was too defensive and unwilling to engage in striking exchanges.

UFC President Dana White acknowledged the controversy, hinting that a rematch could be on the table if both fighters agreed.

Despite the backlash, Ankalaev’s strategic execution proved enough to earn him UFC gold, while Pereira was left contemplating his next move.

Pound-for-Pound Rankings Shake-Up

The UFC’s pound-for-pound (P4P) rankings reflect the best fighters across all weight classes based on skill, dominance, and recent performances. Following UFC 313, the rankings experienced a major shift:

• Alex Pereira dropped from No. 2 to No. 8—a significant fall after his loss to Ankalaev.
• Magomed Ankalaev entered the rankings at No. 6—his first appearance in the top 10 after claiming the light heavyweight belt.
• Islam Makhachev remained No. 1—the reigning lightweight champion continues to dominate.
• Jon Jones held steady at No. 2, despite his recent inactivity due to injury.
• Ilia Topuria climbed to No. 3, solidifying his status as one of the UFC’s fastest-rising stars.

What Does This Mean for Pereira?

Pereira’s six-spot drop signals a significant setback in his career. Before UFC 313, he was viewed as one of the most feared men in MMA. Now, he faces a crossroads:

1. Pursue a rematch with Ankalaev: Given how close the fight was, Pereira may push for an immediate rematch to reclaim his title.
2. Return to middleweight: With the light heavyweight division presenting new challenges, some speculate whether Pereira could cut back down to 185 pounds and regain his former title.
3. Take a tune-up fight: If the rematch isn’t granted immediately, Pereira might fight another top contender first.

Regardless of his next move, Pereira remains a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division.

The Future of Magomed Ankalaev

A dominant champion?

With the belt now around his waist, Magomed Ankalaev enters a new chapter in his career as the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. While he has proven his ability to compete with the best, his reign will be immediately tested by a division filled with killers.

Potential challengers include:

• Jiri Prochazka (Former Champion): Prochazka is a wild, unpredictable striker with the ability to finish fights in spectacular fashion. If the UFC books this fight, it would be a battle of contrasting styles.
• Jamahal Hill (No. 1 Contender): Hill was forced to vacate his title due to injury but is eager to regain his belt. A fight against Ankalaev would be a technical chess match.
• A Possible Pereira Rematch: Given how competitive their fight was, the UFC might immediately book a rematch to settle the debate.

Ankalaev’s methodical fighting style may not be as exciting as Pereira’s knockout artistry, but his ability to neutralize opponents makes him a serious threat to hold the belt for a long time.

What’s Next for the UFC Light Heavyweight Division?

With UFC 313 in the books, the light heavyweight division is more unpredictable than ever. Key storylines to watch include:

• Will Pereira get a rematch, or will Ankalaev defend against a new challenger?
• Can Ankalaev cement himself as a dominant champion, or will he struggle against the division’s top contenders?
• Will Pereira make adjustments and come back stronger, or was this loss a sign of struggles to come?

One thing is for sure: the 205-pound division is heating up, and fans can expect thrilling matchups in the months ahead.

Conclusion

UFC 313 delivered a monumental shake-up in the light heavyweight division. Magomed Ankalaev’s win over Alex Pereira not only crowned a new champion but also reshuffled the pound-for-pound rankings.

Pereira’s six-spot drop to No. 8 highlights the brutal nature of the sport—one loss can drastically alter a fighter’s standing. Meanwhile, Ankalaev’s arrival in the top 6 cements his place among the world’s best.

As the division moves forward, all eyes are on what’s next for both fighters. Will Pereira reclaim his title? Will Ankalaev prove himself as a dominant champion?

No matter what happens, UFC fans are in for an exciting year ahead!